The Chicago Bears didn’t enjoy their 2022 season for a variety of reasons. Losing 14 games was the biggest, obviously. Hopes are high that the moves made by GM Ryan Poles this off-season will put them in a position to show rapid improvement in 2023. As always, the schedule itself will play a pivotal role in that. Unless you’re an elite team, sometimes the only way to an improved record is by facing less daunting opponents. Chicago hasn’t had good fortune in that regard, ending up with some of the toughest schedules over the past two years.
While not officially set, their latest slate has the full list of opponents. It is certainly an interesting mix.
- Home: Packers, Vikings, Lions, Panthers, Falcons, Broncos, Raiders, Cardinals
- Away: Packers, Vikings, Lions, Chiefs, Chargers, Saints, Bucs, Commanders, Browns
Obviously, the defending champion Chiefs will be tough. However, the Bears did catch a break by playing them in Germany rather than at Arrowhead Stadium. Green Bay won’t have Aaron Rodgers for the first time in over a decade. Carolina, Atlanta, Tampa Bay, and Washington all have question marks at quarterback too. Arizona looks like it’s rebuilding. On paper, this group doesn’t look insurmountable. It appears schedule forecasters in Las Vegas agree, rating the Bears’ schedule the fifth-weakest in the league.
The Chicago Bears are already a better team.
They added a genuine weapon at wide receiver in D.J. Moore. Along with Darnell Mooney and Chase Claypool, this might be the most talented trio the Bears have fielded since Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery, and Earl Bennett. Nate Davis also helped improve a beleaguered offensive line. The linebacking corps underwent a massive overhaul on defense led by Pro Bowler Tremaine Edmunds. DeMarcus Walker and Andrew Billings also help bolster their defensive front. This team can be much better if Poles can put together a productive 2023 draft.
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Everything hinges on Justin Fields. The young quarterback took some big steps forward under difficult circumstances last year. Now the excuses won’t be as acceptable anymore. He’s in the second year of the same offensive system and will have better talent around him this time. Plenty of people still doubt he can ever become a genuine NFL passer. This year will be his last, best chance to prove them wrong.
