Bears Obliged to Meet Raised Anticipations After Setting High Standards
It's the height of summer, and the temperature is rising � and we're not just talking about the weather. We're referring to the mounting anticipation and strain enveloping the Bears as they edge closer to their practices kick-off in just over a week.
Last season saw our beloved franchise tread water through a less than stellar 3-14 run, marked by a series of deflating endgame flops. Yet, the Windy City showed a surprising level of patience towards the team's predicament.
Sure, there were a few grumbles here and there, but overall, the Bears' faithful stood by their squad. Even as defeat piled upon defeat, fans stayed composed, aware of the team's limited salary cap and scant first-round draft pick � a measly three choices within the initial four rounds.
But now, there's a term that Bears supporters are loathe to hear from the coaching crew or GM Ryan Poles as we inch towards the press meet on July 25. That term is "Time".
It's untenable to keep pleading for more time to mold a winning team. After a disastrous string of 10 consecutive defeats and a total of 14 throughout the year � despite numerous shakeups � the Bears owe it to their fans to deliver at least some tangible results, and fast.
An opening defeat to Green Bay, for instance, won't go down well considering the enduring patience shown by the Bears' followers.
That said, it's not just about placating fans. The Bears themselves are self-instigating the pressure.1. Valuable Lessons from Previous SeasonThe painful stretch of 17 games last season, combined with strategic maneuvers in the draft and free agency, have been formative. Defensive end DeMarcus Walker, who joined Chicago from Tennessee, noticed this progress.
"When you observe the development under the head coach, you can't help but want to be part of such a promising journey," Walker shared. The team's already navigated the storm, and now, players are gearing up for more.
2. Cohesion within the Squad is StrengtheningThis point was unprompted by Matt Eberflus during an off-season discussion, indicating an inviting pressure.
Off-season efforts at Halas Hall and beyond, particularly among receivers, backs, and quarterbacks, have fostered cohesion. "We've welcomed about 35 new faces to our team over the past two years through the draft and free agency," Eberflus revealed. "Building this chemistry has been crucial, and I believe we've made commendable progress this off-season."
Crucial to this success are the quarterback-receivers and offensive line formations, requiring immediate synergy.
Players, including guard Nate Davis, are optimistic about the burgeoning chemistry within the offensive line, despite four new players occupying starting positions this season.
"The on-field communication among the O-line, quarterbacks, and wide receivers is excellent," Davis stated. "Off the field too, we're having insightful discussions on various schemes and strategies. We're in a promising place."
Instead of suggesting more time would be needed for Fields to settle into the passing game, DJ Moore took the opposite stance. He believes the team will hit their stride much quicker. "We'll be on the same page about two to three days into training camp, picking up where we left off in OTAs," Moore predicted.
| POLL | ||
15 JUILLET | 49 ANSWERS Bears Obliged to Meet Raised Anticipations After Setting High Standards Will the bears win the playoffs? | ||
| Yes | 23 | 46.9 % |
| No | 26 | 53.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
