One of the common criticisms of Chicago Bears ownership over the years is that they supposedly prefer to live in their own little world. They don’t like hearing the truth about their football team when it’s necessary. Criticism isn’t often easy to take. Yet it sounds like George McCaskey was ready for it this time. There were multiple reasons why Ryan Poles beat out everybody else for the GM position, but it was one part of his pitch that stood out.
According to Jeff Hughes of Da Bears Blog, he revealed that a pivotal point of Poles’ interview process came when he assessed the roster. Rather than dance around the subject in front of McCaskey and his team, the 36-year old gave honest opinions on everything. Many of which weren’t overly kind to current players. Especially on the offensive line where he feels the previous regime messed up in a variety of ways.
That is a lot to take in.
It sounds like big changes are coming up front on offense for the Bears. Larry Borom might not be in the long-term plans for this team anymore. Teven Jenkins should be safe but may not have a future at left tackle. As for Cody Whitehair, there are rumblings the team may shift him back to center. The fates of Sam Mustipher and James Daniels are a mystery. None of this should be a surprise.
Ryan Poles played offensive line in college. It would make sense he is extra critical of that position group. Reports out of Kansas City were he had strong opinions in that area and was a constant benefit to the Chiefs in finding quality blockers. Nobody should be surprised by this assessment. The Bears line was terrible in 2021. It’s been terrible for the past three years. While people love to blame the quarterbacks and the receivers, the problems have always started up front.
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If this team is going to make Justin Fields a success, they have to improve his blocking. Poles came in with a clear understanding of that.
