3 Chicago Bears that proved they shouldn't be in the team's long-term plans
The Chicago Bears dropped to 2-6 Sunday night after being thoroughly dominated by the Los Angeles Chargers. There's no shortage of blame to go around after the loss, especially amongst the coaching staff. While it seems all but certain that Matt Eberflus and company will be looking for work following the season, there are players on the roster whose performance on Sunday night proved that they need to be joining them in the unemployment line.
It's past time to admit that Velus Jones, Jr. was a bad Bears draft pick
Many Bears fans were skeptical when Ryan Poles selected Velus Jones, Jr. in the third round of the 2022 draft. The wide receiver was already 24 years old at the time of the draft, but despite his age, he was seen by scouts as an unpolished route runner that projected to be little more than a special teams specialist.
The hope was that Jones could be the kind of dynamic kick returner that the Bears haven't had since the days of Devin Hester, while also being a big play threat as a receiver. That hope has proven unfounded, though. Jones' performance on the field in his rookie season did little to allay fans' initial fears when he was drafted. He failed to produce as a wide receiver, registering only seven catches on the year, and his work in the return game was worse, as he fumbled three times while giving Bears fans more heart attacks than all the Polish sausages in Chicago.
Jones' second year in the league has only reinforced that the Bears need to move on from the former Tennessee Volunteer. Rookie Tyler Scott has already looked like a better version of what the Bears hoped Jones could be, and Jones has done nothing to warrant being included in the game plan going forward.
On Sunday night, Jones' shortcomings were on full display for a national audience. He cost the Bears 15 yards after running into Chargers punt returner Derius Davis in the first quarter, but the worst was yet to come. With the Bears already down 17-0 in the second quarter, Jones used his speed to beat his man, but he then slipped, fell, and dropped a would-be touchdown with no defender in sight. The Bears went on to score a touchdown later in the drive, but that didn't absolve yet another gaffe by Jones.
The Bears moved on from Chase Claypool when it was clear that his presence was a detriment to the team. Jones may not have the work ethic issues that plagued Claypool, but his presence on the field is hurting the team and taking time away from Scott. It's time the Bears admit their mistake and move on.