Most Chicago Bears fans are still scratching their heads over something general manager Ryan Poles did during the offseason.
With the edge rusher position being such a concern, fans wondered why he decided to do absolutely nothing about it. Sports Illustrated writer Eva Geitheim believes this could end up being the offseason decision that haunts him.
"The Bears had glaring needs on the defensive side of the ball, and they primarily focused on revamping their secondary with the additions of Dillon Thieneman and Coby Bryant and the departures of Kevin Byard, Jaquan Brisker, Nahshon Wright, C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Jonathan Owens.
They didn’t, however, do much for their pass rush, which recorded just 35 sacks a season ago and finished 31st in pass rush win rate. After not adding pass rushers in the draft, Ben Johnson noted that they believe in the trajectory of their young players, including Dayo Odeyingbo, Shemar Turner and Austin Booker. This, however, could backfire if the pass rush can’t get going and the Bears struggle to slow down other offenses once again."
Will anything happen at edge rusher anytime soon for the Bears?
Last season, the Bears struggled with their pass rush since Austin Booker missed the first seven games of the regular season and Dayo Odeyingbo missed the second half of the year. Poles decided to address it by trading for first-round bust Joe Tryon-Shoyinka at the trade deadline, which did not work out.
This offseason was a chance to right the wrongs Poles made during the regular season and get some legit help. While there were rumors that Maxx Crosby was an interesting trade target, the Bears ultimately did not make a trade, sign anyone, or even draft one.
Some might call it stubbornness, but Poles is betting on himself and trusting that Odeyingbo and Booker can get it done. There is more optimism for Booker after having 4.5 sacks in 10 games. Odeyingbo is a different story with his one sack in eight games.
At least the Bears have Montez Sweat, coming off a 10-sack season and proclaimed by head coach Ben Johnson as his best season. NFL players agreed, ranking Sweat as the 91st-best player in the league.
Last season, the Bears only had 35 sacks in 17 games, ranking 26th in the NFL. Chicago needs to get a pass rush, or it might cause the season to be a lost cause, which some feel it already is since they have the NFL's toughest schedule. The offense is elite, and they need the support of the defense if they want any shot at getting themselves into the Super Bowl and bringing the Lombardi Trophy to the Windy City.
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Poles better be right about his decision to pass on any edge rushers during the offseason. If that position doesn't play better, the Bears could be paying a heavy price at the trade deadline, and Poles' seat will get a bit hotter.
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