Why Ryan Poles is not another Ryan Pace for the Chicago Bears

Ryan Poles deserves credit for helping fix the Chiefs offensive line

When the Kansas City Chiefs lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020, one glaring issue was the offensive line. This was not to say that it should have and could have been better, but injuries got in the way taking out both right tackle (Mitchell Schwartz) and left tackle (Eric Fisher) before the Super Bowl showdown. After the team lost that matchup, they completely revamped the offensive line for the 2021 season — and revamped it very well.

This was one big area that I would always harp on Ryan Pace for over his time here in Chicago. Maybe it’s because Ryan Pace played defensive end when he was in school and that’s why we saw him find these late-round gems on the defensive side of the ball. Poles on the other hand was a former offensive lineman out of Boston College (2005-2007). In fact, he was there while Matt Ryan was under center. I originally didn’t think this was that interesting but some pointed out that his connection to Matt Ryan is likely why Dan Quinn is a rumored head coach possibility.

Back to the Chiefs rebuilding their offensive line after it failed them in the Super Bowl in 2020. They drafted new center Creed Humphrey, signed offensive guard Joe Thuney and traded for left tackle Orlando Brown. The revamped offensive line finished in the top 10 of Pro Football Focus (PFF) rankings and were in the top five for sacks allowed (28), meanwhile, the Bears gave up the most sacks (58) on the year.

It should be noted that many have given Ryan Poles credit for finding Trey Smith and Creed Humphrey in the 2021 NFL Draft. The Chicago Bears would love having a guy like Creed Humphrey over Sam Mustipher.

4 head coaches who could be favored by Chicago Bears GM finalists

4 head coaches who could be favored by Chicago Bears GM finalists. The Chicago Bears appear to be locked in on four finalists for the General Manager job.

Here is the thing. The coaching staff is going to matter a great deal and as happy as I am that Ryan Poles got the job, I am struggling to get behind the rumored head coaching candidates being put out there in Dan Quinn, Jim Caldwell and Matt Eberflus. Buckle up Chicago Bears fans, this ride is just getting started.