The Chicago Bears are a dysfunctional football team. There is no getting around it. Nothing sums it up better than the disaster unfolding with Chase Claypool. GM Ryan Poles traded a 2nd round pick for the wide receiver last year in hopes he’d help boost the passing offense. Since then, Claypool has 191 yards and a touchdown in ten games. Things reached a fever pitch last week when the receiver stated to the media that he doesn’t think the coaching staff has done enough to utilize his skills. Unsurprisingly, head coach Matt Eberflus deactivated him for Sunday against the Denver Broncos.
It got even messier after the game when Eberflus stated Claypool chose to stay home from the game. That was quickly corrected by a team spokesperson, stating the Bears had told him to stay home. Either way, it’s beyond obvious there is a major rift between player and organization. Rumors already surfaced that Poles is eyeing the trade block for takers. In case people weren’t sure about the message, Eberflus left no doubts during an interview on ESPN 1000.
Claypool would not be rejoining the team for Thursday Night Football in Washington.
Chase Claypool is an all-time bust for the Bears.
They invested a lot in him. All he had to do was put his head down, work hard, and play up to his natural ability. Yet he couldn’t do that. D.J. Moore has almost equaled his numbers in four games than he managed in ten. That should tell you everything you need to know about Claypool’s effort and commitment to being great. It’s probably why the Steelers weren’t sad about unloading him in the first place. Poles deserves plenty of criticism for the deal. It felt like a dangerous gamble even at the time.
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It’s hard to blame Eberflus for reaching this decision. The receiver embodies little from the standpoint of the H.I.T.S principle. He doesn’t hustle, show much intensity, or play smart. Chase Claypool is 6’4, 230 lbs but plays like he’s 5’8, 160 lbs. It is remarkable how often he gets outmuscled by smaller opponents, both as a receiver and blocker. Is it a coincidence Justin Fields had his best passing performance to date the moment he wasn’t in the lineup? Maybe, but it’s clear the Bears didn’t need him. They’re done.
