We are nearly through the second season of Ryan Poles' tenure as the Chicago Bears general manager. Poles tore this team down in his first year and then started to build it back up in his second season. The tear-down process led to a roster depleted of top-tier talent and also a 3-14 record. The team showed flashes at times — especially Justin Fields. However, things haven't progressed as well as people would like in year two.
As we sit here today, the Bears have a 6-9 record with two games left against opponents that are both 7-8. The two opponents have had similar seasons. Both teams have found themselves with multiple losing streaks. The Falcons have a couple winning streaks as the Packers only have one. Both teams are mediocre and their season record reflects that.
Will the Chicago Bears stick with Justin Fields beyond 2023?
The Chicago Bears are not very different though and could find themselves winning both games to close out the season. This wouldn't be a winning season at 8-9, but it would show exactly what most expected at this point in Ryan Poles' rebuild — the team is on the rise after going 3-14 the previous year. Poles has added more talent, but they aren't quite ready to take the next step and become a playoff contender. I don't know about you, but the end result is about what I expected. My prediction was 8 wins this year and as long as Fields played well and showed improvement, I'd be happy.
Well, Fields has shown improvement, but has it been enough? It seems as though the Chicago Bears don't even know yet.