Stinger226

Saying we can make a run for a playoff spot is totally because of two reasons. Not a strong division and the breakout of Justin Fields. If Justin breaks out its not going to be over 3000 yds and 24 TDs. Its going to be a giant step. Pushing 4000 yds and 30 TDs. Add in selective running and you have a star. Yes Im being overly optimist even with a lot of question marks. The improvement on the offense has less questions than the defense will be based off of how well our pass rush improves. RB group is one of the leagues strongest. WR group has potential to be one of the top 10 groups in the league. We now have two viable TEs and the OL in stronger at 4 positions. Yes there will be injuries and it will guide what happens but our depth is better now.

17 rosters is most normal for the 4 leagues I am in , adding another IR spot would be a good idea because of the extra game and more injuries in a long season. If you put that up for vote before we get started I vote to add another rostered IR spot. In the past, lets say your top pick got hurt, put on IR, and you had to let him go because of the need on a bye week to use other players.

Even though edge is still a weakness, Poles still added pieces at that position. The OL has been upgraded at 4 positions and usually you see a big jump in the second year for young players, Braxton Jones. Poles have strengthen every other group. Still the most important element for success this year is Justin Fields . I don't see any way this is a so so year for him. He has all the traits of a winner. Great leader, football intelligence, hard worker and a small ego. Top athletics, and gifted legs and arm. Poles is set to roll this year . I know the plan was for 2024 to start the run but after this year Cunningham and Getsy are likely to be gone so I think the timetable has moved up. X

Definitely a lot of players brought in also contributed on STs last year. Better depth will give us better ST.

I think the problem with Bears fans (me included) is I have never seen a QB being developed by a team. We either had rookies that fall flat or a vet that doesnt get better. Jay Culter came here with talent but the roster and coaching just dragged him down. Now we have a good staff in place to develop a QB, and that is what is happening in real time. Some undeniable traits. A leader, works hard, loves football, doesnt have injury issues looming. You can see him get better last year. Now we have to trust when the coaches say he is getting it. We never seen that before so we just say (we hope). He is special because of his legs but he has high end passing skills that will arrive this year.

All the preconceived thoughts of the Bears is based on last year. This year will change the narrative forever. 2018 was awesome with how it played out, but this team has more potential for ongoing success. It wasnt bringing in quick fixes and some people having career years. The basis for this team is two drafts by Poles and the luck of having Justin Fields. It only gets better from here out.

true thoughts.

So are you still looking for two more players? I'll ask a friend that doesnt view this site, in another league.

It reminds me of the Roquan situation last year but is about an injury, not a contract. Chase is in a contract year so I expect maximum effort. He only had one good year with a good QB, the other 2 years were spotty QB play. With him missing some OTAs , the negative talk starts popping up. I think he will be fine unless the soft tissue injuries become year long.

Clearly how Justin does is the key to anything good that will happen but I honestly believe he takes that step. I don't worry about it. I think how good the pass rush is the biggest concern. The thought of Borom or Dietch having to play a number of extended games is scary but they can give a OT extra help if we have a weak spot. Still have time to bring in a vet as people get cut at training camp. The other questions not so much because of our good depth.

Since an article ranking the best LBers in the NFL. Edmunds was 7th and no Roquan. Fred Warner was ranked the best. https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/nfl-best-linebackers-fred-warner-bobby-wagner-lavonte-david/

Poles has did a good job of upgrading the roster but what is the biggest question that needs to be answered going into training camp. BFX asked the question that spurred this poll.

I like his optimism but don't always quite have the same opinion as him. I didn't know about some of the stats he presented which gives more hope that Gipson may be productive. Obviously this particular stat ( double teams) isn't the most important but does add to it. I think he should have won more of the one on ones thou. He'll be better than last year but don't see him anywhere close to double digits.

Cool, I played in High school(Northern Illinois area) in the late 60s and at a junior college for a few months before I tore a knee up. I was just to small. I did plumbing all my life but went to college with the intend of being a school teacher, I wanted to coach football. My dad offered to set me up in business at 23 so I had to take that opportunity. Boy I sure did want to try to be a football coach .

Anyone is any walk of life can learn something from new experiences. The key is to keep expanding your mind, the more you know the best to apply your particular talent. Mongo, where did you play at and when? If you mentioned it , I never seen the response.

Let us know how your progress is going Pix. I have had 4 implants (two knees, two hips) so I know our body recovers differently. Not saying they are anything like your issue, but know its a slow progress.

So if someone takes over a new team, which 2 rosters do they take over. Maybe I want to quit and take over new team. Joking

Little bits and pieces of information isnt enough to make a character decision on Claypool for me . I do know a selfish person would not had taken the time to go workout with Justin over the winter. He did that. He has never talked about wanting a big contract. I cant say either way how he will play this year by a soft tissue injury in June. He has a lot to prove his worth, but it will be determined on the field not in social media.

By the looks at that picture I would say he got a lot of exercise while in Paris.

Take PFF for what its worth but they had Davis and Jenkins rated in the top 10 last year for OGs. I think one was 6th one was 10th. At least they both are in the top half of the league.

Here's a list of Bears podcasts. https://blog.feedspot.com/chicago_bears_podcasts/