5 Chicago Bears likely to excel after bye week

4. Chicago Bears have to see more from Chase Claypool

We knew that Chase Claypool was going to be eased into the starting lineup. He came in fresh halfway through the year, and beyond that, the Chicago Bears have a record of easing players into the mix with this new coaching staff. With that in mind, the start of his Chicago career is not too shocking.

At the same time, it is fair to say that we need to see more, especially as that pick they sent to Pittsburgh seems to be a top-35 draft slot. Claypool has to buy in more as a blocker because we know the staff values that.

He also needs to get more involved with an expanded route tree. We saw signs of that against Green Bay, which was his second game getting starting snaps. So, first, he got starting snaps, then his route tree expanded, and now he is onto the bye week.

The sense is that he was eased in just perfectly and after the bye week he should have the full route tree, and the full snap share. With Darnell Mooney out, the Chicago Bears need to key in on finding out just how valuable Chase Claypool is.

Justin Fields needs to stay in the pocket more, so why not lob it up to Claypool, do not worry about the stats, and see what type of connection can be established.