The final preseason game will be a critical moment for many on the Chicago Bears roster. With starters playing the first half, many must deliver a good showing to ensure their hold on the jobs. Others are fighting for roster spots. That will make the second half a frenzy for many backups. GM Ryan Poles will be watching closer than most during those 3rd and 4th quarters. He has some big decisions ahead of him.
The man said over a week ago the Bears would be active in their efforts to retool the roster before the regular season starts. That was a clear message that he intends to scour the waiver wire for help. What nobody can say for sure is which positions he may target. There are plenty that seems to require attention. Wide receiver is the most obvious given their recent rash of injuries. The same goes for cornerback as depth continues to be a concern. However, former Bears scout Greg Gabriel believes Poles will focus elsewhere.
He explained why on Windy City Gridiron.
“Some positions, like defensive line or offensive line, are easier to bring in a new player and get him up to speed regarding his responsibilities in the Bears scheme. Other positions, such as wide receiver, it’s more difficult. It generally takes a veteran wide receiver a couple of weeks to feel comfortable in a new system and be able to produce.
I feel the Bears are fairly happy with their current wide receiver corps. Fans don’t know the talent level of these players because they have seen little of them in the pre-season, but the coaches have been with them for the last four weeks of practice and the entire off-season program.
The way I see it, the Bears won’t claim a receiver unless some of the injured receivers are not going to be ready to play for a while.”
Chicago Bears have every reason to focus on the trenches.
Poles is a former offensive lineman himself. Rumors out of Halas Hall are the team isn’t happy with the current state of Justin Fields’ blocking. That shouldn’t be a surprise considering their starting center broke his hand, and their starting right guard was a tackle less than two weeks ago. They need more depth and stability, especially along the interior. Then there is the defensive line.
This is a tale of two groups. The Chicago Bears look fairly set at defensive end led by the trio of Robert Quinn, Trevis Gipson, and Al-Quadin Muhammad. Where it gets dicey is at defensive tackle. Their projected starters are Justin Jones and Angelo Blackson, with Khyiris Tonga and Mike Pennel as the backups. Not exactly an intimidating group. Considering how vital the defensive line is to the success of a 4-3 defense, it makes sense they’d target more help there.
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As always, it comes down to timing and luck. The Bears need the right player to become available and for him to fall far enough to claim him off waivers. The NFL can be unreliable in such circumstances.
Do we still have Ryan Pace’s cell phone number?
“Predicts likely waiver wire targets” WTH does that mean? Not a single name named. Gabriel is a washed up shadow of a front office guy. I do think the WR group is better than they think. Just remember that this is a work in progress. Lots of guys will contribute. Ebner may be the key to this offense by mid-season.
Who are the potential d-line and o-line cuts weed be looking at?
Lmao!! I feel you on that bro 🤣
Our WR core for the most part is a dumpster fire. I’m still stunned Poles hasn’t signed a legit WR2 to go alongside Mooney.
“serenity now, serenity now”