Ryan Poles is the youngest GM in the NFL. From the way he handles things, you wouldn’t know that. He operates like somebody with several years of experience. When he stepped to the podium for his end-of-year press conference on January 10th, everybody knew the question he was going to get. What are his thoughts and plans regarding Justin Fields? Speculation has already begun that the Chicago Bears might consider pivoting away from the 23-year-old now that they hold the #1 pick in the draft. This gives him a golden opportunity to select somebody of his choice and give his regime a fresh start.
When the question came, Poles was ready. He stated clearly that the plan for 2023 is for Fields to be the starting quarterback. He praised Justin for his progress in his playmaking prowess and becoming more explosive and efficient. All the while, he made sure to send a message that the quarterback must improve as a passer. Fields only threw for 2200 yards and 17 touchdowns while fumbling 16 times.
The final masterstroke came when asked if he’d consider a QB at #1. Poles stated that Fields is the guy, but the team will do its due diligence on every draft prospect, including the quarterbacks. He would have to be convinced beyond all doubt to make a change.
Ryan Poles walked the tightrope to perfection.
How so? His answers made it clear he remains 100% confident in Fields. The plan has not changed. The young QB is the guy unless something drastic happens. At the same time, he kept things just vague enough to have teams wondering if he might actually take a quarterback at #1. This works in his favor both ways. It will get teams calling about the availability of Fields so he can see what the market looks like. In addition, it also keeps his intentions for #1 a mystery. More confusion creates more panic, and more panic leads to rash decisions, such as giving up massive pick packages to get the QB you covet.
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An educated guess is Ryan Poles will stick by his word. Fields will remain the starting quarterback. The Bears will either take the best player on their board at #1 or trade it for a bounty. The GM is simply doing the right thing by keeping his real intentions vague. If he somehow does decide to change quarterbacks, it will be because he’s confident that the young man has superstardom in his future. One can’t fault a GM for doing that. He best be prepared for a firestorm if that happens, though.
The way Poles has handled himself and the franchise from the moment he walked into Halas Hall has been incredibly refreshing. He has a plan and a plan to follow the plan. He is well spoken and goes about his business with common sense and the right way. I am incredibly encouraged and excited to see how he builds this team into a consistent winner. In Poles We Trust! BEAR DOWN!
I just hope poles is evaluating his staff as well because they have done absolutely nothing to inspire confidence in them in fact its the complete opposite for me and having a weak roster isn’t an excuse thats when good coaches show their worth look at the giants for example but we should not be last in every statistical category on both sides of the ball except rushing which was basically all Fields which is actually mind blowing 1 rushing but worst team in the NFL ? lord please help poles make the right decisions going forward
I believe he will get massive trade return for #1 pick. It is imperative to get Fields legitimate weapons. Look at playoff teams with young QBs, where a legitimate WR was added
Then pray for the same with Fields
In the NFL, it all starts with the quarterback. Presently, that is Justin Fields.
Trevor Lawrence acclimated this year to the speed of the NFL game — now, it’s Justin’s turn.
Ryan Poles will be watching.
Kjmerk, couldn’t agree more. Can’t believe there are still people wanting to give up on Fields when he made steps forward this year, with below average receivers and a line that almost got him killed, especially in the early part of the season. The Bears won’t fix everything this year, but some clever trades in the draft and a good free agency could help fix the trenches and give him one more legit WR, then you can truly evaluate him as a passer. Don’t forget he was not only learning a new scheme this year, but also had to undo… Read more »