The Chicago Bears require a significant improvement this offseason.
The Chicago Bears face a critical decision at quarterback this offseason. They have the option to select a top quarterback prospect such as Caleb Williams or Drake Maye in the draft, or they can give Justin Fields a final opportunity in the last year of his rookie contract. However, regardless of who takes the helm, none of these quarterbacks will reach their potential without addressing a crucial aspect of the offense: the offensive line.
The Bears have struggled to protect their quarterbacks consistently, evident in the high number of sacks endured by their signal-callers over the years. Since 2021, Justin Fields has been sacked 135 times, the most of any NFL quarterback during that period. While it's true that Fields may sometimes hold onto the ball too long, the issue extends beyond him.
In the case of former first-round pick Mitch Trubisky, who started from 2017 to 2020, he was sacked 111 times, ranking 11th among quarterbacks during that timeframe. Going further back, Jay Cutler faced 234 sacks from 2009 to 2015, the fifth-highest among quarterbacks. Despite leading the Bears to an NFC Championship game in 2010, Cutler bore the brunt of constant pressure.
This pattern persists despite the presence of offensive weapons like DJ Moore, Cole Kmet, Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery, and Matt Forte over the years. While the Bears might have had opportunities to draft quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes or Deshaun Watson, the lack of emphasis on protecting them undermined their potential success.
Whether the Bears retain Fields, draft Williams or Maye, or acquire a veteran like Kirk Cousins, the recurring issue of poor protection for the quarterback remains unresolved. Until the team prioritizes bolstering the offensive line, any quarterback in Chicago will likely face significant challenges in 2024.
To address this problem, the Bears must consider signing a free agent like Johnah Williams or drafting a top guard prospect. Only then can they provide their quarterback with the necessary protection to succeed on the field.
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21 FEVRIER | 1 ANSWERS The Chicago Bears require a significant improvement this offseason. Will the Bears spend a lot in free agency? | ||
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