The Chicago Bears‘ 49-29 loss to the Dallas Cowboys was equal parts frustrating and encouraging for GM Ryan Poles. On the one hand, his young quarterback took another big step forward in his development. Justin Fields accounted for 211 yards and three touchdowns. On the other hand, it was the worst performance the Bears’ defense has had in eight years. They had no answers for Dallas most of the afternoon, especially on the ground.
The Cowboy averaged 6.0 yards per carry, led by Tony Pollard, and Dak Prescott had 250 yards through the air on only 27 pass attempts. It wasn’t hard to pinpoint where the problem was. The Bears’ defensive line no-showed. They barely put any pressure on Prescott and were routinely blown off the ball in the ground game. It was a pathetic showing and illustrated the group’s lack of talent.
It was much the same story on the offensive line. Fields was sacked four times and pressured relentlessly. It was the fifth time in six games that the Bears quarterback was dropped four or more times. This team is weak in the trenches.
Look back at every deep playoff run they’ve ever made. They have the same things in common. The offensive and defensive lines were able to impose their will on the opposition. They can’t do that right now. It is a simple case of not enough talent. Name one player on either side of the football that can be classified as a blue-chip Pro Bowl player. You can’t. Teven Jenkins might be the closest in terms of talent, but one guy out of five isn’t enough. The defensive line is even worse.
Justin Jones isn’t what they need at three-technique. Trevis Gipson and Dominique Robinson have potential, but neither looks like a true hunter right now. Ryan Poles needs enforcers. He needs players that can lead by example. An Olin Kreutz on offense. A Tommie Harris or Julius Peppers on defense. It will take time for the Bears’ GM to find those pieces. He has plenty of resources coming his way next spring. It should be an exciting March and April.
