The biggest issues with the Chicago Bears right now
The Chicago Bears essentially have a bunch of backup wide receivers
Moving on. When the protection up front has actually held up, the supporting cast surrounding Fields has not been good either. Specifically, the receiving corps. Drops have plagued the “bad news” Bears’ receivers. To be exact, Darnell Mooney and Dante Pettis each have two drops. Then, Trevon Wesco, Trestan Ebner, and Cole Kmet all have one.
[Editor’s note: I am confident Dante Pettis has at least three drops but Pro Football Reference only says two]
Along with drops, Fields’ receivers just aren’t getting open. As I previously stated while discussing how to improve the offensive line, the Bears front office should pursue a true WR1 in free agency. Although I am a Darnell Mooney fan, he would be a WR3 in most NFL offenses. He is not the guy to be Fields’ main option, this has been evident throughout the season up to this point.
Ultimately, Justin Fields has to deal with a JV-level offensive line while he tries to throw to B-team wide receivers. And, keep in mind, he is doing so while learning his second offensive playbook, coaching staff, and philosophies in two years. As I’ve said, he’s basically enduring a second rookie year. Context matters.
I think the two, previously mentioned areas of the Chicago Bears are the root of their troubles and pathetic showings this season. But, for whatever reason, Bears fans and media members alike are quick to point the finger of blame at the Bears’ 23-year-old quarterback. Thus far, he’s shown both growth and improvement, but both are hard to see in such heartbreaking losses.
I’m not sure what the rest of this season will look like. Will we bounce back? Are we tanking for better draft picks? Who knows. However, I do know that the Bears cannot win football games, nor be a high-level team, with the offensive line and wide receivers they have now. Something needs to change, to improve. Only time will tell, though. ‘Til then, as always, Bear down.