Ryan Poles came into the 2024 off-season with one overarching objection. That was to improve the Chicago Bears offense as much as possible. Every big investment made to this point has been on that side of the ball. The only notable move made on defense was adding Kevin Byard at safety to replace Eddie Jackson. Things have pretty much remained the status quo otherwise. Poles is intent on setting the table for his next quarterback, who many believe will be USC’s Caleb Williams.
Insider Mike Sando of The Athletic caught up with several NFL executives about how the off-season unfolded for all 32 teams. One of them had high praise for the work done by Poles on the offense. He thinks they’re ready to make some noise.
“For all the things he might not be in terms of speed and stretching the field, Keenan Allen is a super-smart player, very savvy,” an exec said. “He will be productive getting the ball. He helps become your Travis Kelce in the offense as a security blanket who makes plays. DJ Moore is a good player. They signed a tight end (Gerald Everett) who is a good scheme fit and complement for (Cole) Kmet. They do have some pieces in place.”
While Allen is 31 years old, there is no question this is the best receiver tandem the Bears have had since Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery. They even have a chance to make it even better if they select another receiver with the #9 pick. Add Kmet and Everett at tight end and this could be the deepest roster of weapons the franchise has ever produced.
For once, it appears as if he’s ready to put the defense on the back burner for the time being as he tries to give his next quarterback every opportunity to succeed right away. This is where having a defensive-minded head coach can be such an advantage. Matt Eberflus is good at what he does. He’s one of the most proven play callers on the defensive side of the ball in the NFL. He’s no stranger to making the most out of limited resources, and it’s not like the Bears defense is toothless. They have Pro Bowl talent at all three levels of their unit. The only thing missing is a second pass rusher.
Such a problem can afford to wait another year, especially if it means helping your young quarterback reach his potential. That is one reason Eberflus is different. He sees the big picture. So does Ryan Poles. He’s given Williams a terrific supporting cast to step into and could make it even better if he goes offense at #9. If the young quarterback is as good as everybody says, he’s about to do some special things in Chicago.
