NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
The Chicago Bears are praying they didn’t make a mistake. All offseason, Ryan Poles was being patted on the back for the great moves he made. However, in the process, he proved how much of a business the NFL is.
With the Bears trading Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Poles all but confirmed that he’s going to take Caleb Williams with the No.1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Hell, he has no choice but to do so now, even with early rumors saying that Williams does not wish to play there.
Now, this is where I want to say I wish Williams is a bust for the Bears. Let me clarify something real quick before the haters come out in droves. I wish Williams all the best in his NFL career but I wish he falls on his face in Chicago. It’s nothing personal against him, this is more toward the Bears organization.
Justin Fields did the best he could with what he was given. It wasn’t until last season that the Bears finally gave him a reliable threat at wide receiver. DJ Moore would finish the season with 96 receptions for 1364 yards and 8 TDs.
While the run game was heavily featured on the legs of Fields. Khalil Herbert did manage 611 yards and D’Onta Foreman gained 425 yards on 109 carries. But this is where Poles made his mistake in the eyes of some.
The saying regarding young QBs is still that mythical 3-year plan. Well, in his 3rd season, the stats will show that Fields did improve. He topped his best season as a passer with a completion percentage of 61.4. He threw for the most yards in his career with 2562, fewer INTs with 9, and his rushing yards were less than the previous season. Fields was improving. Plus, the Bears won 7 games. He did all this in just 13 games. He had more weapons at his disposal.
Did The Chicago Bears Make A Mistake with Fields
Fields has been dragged through the mud during his time in Chicago. While some is his fault, the other half falls on the shoulders of the front office. This offseason, the Bears decided enough was enough. They signed RB D’Andre Swift then snagged WR Keenan Allen. Both are weapons that would fit well with Fields. He finally has viable targets.
However, instead of giving Fields a shot with legit talent, they are handing the keys over to a rookie and figuring he’s the one to lead them. Yes, Williams appears to be pro-ready but haven’t we heard this song before? No matter how good Williams is, he’s still coming in as a rookie and playing with veteran playmakers. Is he ready for this type of pressure?
The Chicago Bears did not load up on veteran talent to go 4-14. Williams is a Heisman Trophy winner and he’s expected to come in and win. But if he doesn’t, then what? Poles will regret trading away Fields for a bag of peanuts. And this is exactly what I want to see happen. I clearly understand that the NFL is a business before anything else. However, I do believe that Fields got the wrong end of the stick on this.
He should have been allowed to see what he could do with this team since he had to endure the years when it was just him. It’s almost the same as what Lamar Jackson had to deal with in Baltimore.
Williams may take this team to the playoffs but there will always be a part of me rooting against him and it’s nothing that he did wrong. He’s just guilty by association.
