Ryan Poles’ glaring failure was more than noticeable in Week 1

This past offseason, the Chicago Bears did almost everything they could to surround rookie quarterback Caleb Williams with the talent he needs to succeed in Year 1.

General manager Ryan Poles added weapons galore for the first-year gunslinger. And Bears fans had high hopes for this offense going into the 2024 season.

Sunday afternoon when the Bears kicked off their campaign with a win at home against the Titans, Williams' debut was anything but smooth. Sure, he had weapons to throw to. But, he hardly had any opportunity to get them the ball in a timely manner. To be frank, the team came out flat, and it started up front.

Now, to be fair, Williams made some good throws that, at times, were simply dropped. One would-be touchdown by Keenan Allen ended as a rare drop from the former L.A. Charger. But, aside from the drops, Williams just didn't have a chance in the pocket. Specifically, the interior blocking was some of the worst Bears fans have ever seen -- and that's saying something.

If we had to narrow it down to one specific area of the offensive line, it was squarely in the middle which gave Williams the least protection.

Center Coleman Shelton was beaten like a drum, all afternoon, and the Bears did not make any adjustments. Williams continued to see pressure coming on a rope, time and time again.

Shelton obviously got the start at center, but the Bears also have an option like Ryan Bates, who can be moved from guard. Chicago could also put Matt Pryor at that guard position, with Bates at center, so that Shelton doesn't see the field at all.

This might be the route to go in Week 2 against Houston, if the Bears want to make an adjustment (and let's hope they do).

Ryan Poles didn't do enough to address either the offensive or defensive line

Early on in the game, the Titans were running all over the Bears defensive front. It wasn't just the offensive line struggling. Titans running back Tony Pollard was tearing through the Chicago front.

In the second half, the Bears defense was able to shore things up and put the clamps on Tennessee, thankfully.

But, it was apparent that the Bears may not have done enough on both sides of the line of scrimmage. First and foremost, the interior offensive line needs a whole lot of help. But, the defensive line also needed more.

Adding Darrell Taylor in a late offseason trade paid off in a big way, as he was the one to come up with the strip-sack on Will Levis in the second half. But, the Bears were still noticeably a step behind in terms of their pass rush.

Chalk it up to this being Week 1, if you'd like. But, the Bears do need some additional help up front, on both sides of the ball.