Chicago Bears vs Dolphins features familiar faces in new places
By Peter Jurich
Chicago Bears add to the offense while tearing down the defense
On Tuesday, the Chicago Bears sent their 2023 2nd-round pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers for wide receiver Chase Claypool. At just 24 years old, Claypool is a young, physically gifted receiver who provides the size and speed of a true number-one receiver for young quarterback Justin Fields.
Again, it is unlikely that Claypool plays a significant number of snaps this week for the Chicago Bears. It will take some time for the former Steeler to learn this Bears’ offensive playbook and he will need to develop chemistry with Fields during practice. After arriving at Halas Hall on Wednesday, Claypool is surely getting introduced to the team, offense, and playbook as quickly as possible.
Interestingly enough, Claypool and the Steelers faced the Dolphins just two weeks ago in Miami on Sunday Night Football. In a loss, Claypool recorded five receptions for 41 yards. I think all Chicago Bears fans hope that he can outproduce this stat line, and as a deep-threat option, he could surpass these yards on just one catch.
But as the offense continues to evolve and Claypool gets more accustomed to the Bears’ offense, the biggest change this week comes on defense.
After trading away Roquan Smith on Monday and Robert Quinn a week prior, the Bears’ defense is significantly different than how it came into the season. The emphasis is now on developing younger players such as Jaquan Brisker, Kyler Gordon, and Dominique Robinson, all of whom are rookies from general manager Ryan Poles’ first draft in Chicago.
With Quinn and Smith, the Bears’ defense may have a tough time against an explosive Dolphins offense, who added a key piece just this week.