Great video. Sweat is a fantastic example of how one or two guys can elevate the entire unit to a MUCH higher level. As I watched it, I couldn't help but think the same thing is true on our offense. Add Marvin Harrison Jr and and an elite OL Center to elevate THAT unit to a MUCH higher level - and I think you see the same thing happen on offense as we saw on defense.
There was a time when the offense had nothing as far as solid talent. But now we do have some good young players ascending there - just as we did on defense prior to Sweat's arrival. On defense we didn't have to "get rid of everybody" - instead we needed to add a guy or two.
Same thing on offense. And it may be the same with our GM and coaching staff too. Maybe we need to keep Poles and Eberflus and just add a solid Offensive Coordinator now. Our defense turned around so quickly with Sweat added. I think we could see the exact same thing now on offense, if we add some key pieces in the off season that we all know we need there. I really believe we will see Fields become a top-5 quarterback in the entire league if we added those key (extremely key) upgrades (MHJ, Elite C, Offensive Coordinator). I believe the Bears come out of the chute in 2024 as a strong playoff team and NFCN champs. I don't see anyone in our division who makes me believe THAT can't happen in 2024.
I 100% believe that Marvin Harrison Jr is the modern day equivalent of us drafting Walter Payton. He could be a workhorse too, for the next several years here. Just think of having MHJ, DJ Moore & Kmet on that unit with a great Offensive Coordinator - and with an OL that will be a top-10 unit with that elite center as the foundation of the IOL.
Here's another video on the same subject. The author has a whole lot of additional stats on how Sweat has improved our defense.
Now add Latu or Newton to this line, and we’re really cooking.
+1 I believe that is so doable in 2024. MHJ, Latu/Newton, OL-Center & an upgrade at Offense Coordinator. And that is all before we even consider what we can do in FA. Holy moly we should have an incredible team in 2024 and beyond. That "Super Bowl Ready" team we talked about is definitely still achievable. But if the Bears tear it down again with new GM and coaches and some fuzz-faced rookie QB - I just see another crap Bears team for the next decade here. Same old crap.
At some point you just gotta move on from firing and teadowns - and build something. The foundation piece of 2023 is so ready to build upon in 2024 and 2025.
Now add Latu or Newton to this line, and we’re really cooking.
+1 I believe that is so doable in 2024. MHJ, Latu/Newton, OL-Center & an upgrade at Offense Coordinator. And that is all before we even consider what we can do in FA. Holy moly we should have an incredible team in 2024 and beyond. That "Super Bowl Ready" team we talked about is definitely still achievable. But if the Bears tear it down again with new GM and coaches and some fuzz-faced rookie QB - I just see another crap Bears team for the next decade here. Same old crap.
At some point you just gotta move on from firing and teadowns - and build something. The foundation piece of 2023 is so ready to build upon in 2024 and 2025.
I think the offense and defensive line would be set. Although Poles has already put 3 high draft picks into the secondary, I think it will be the weak link in 2024. People here give me crap for saying that, but I think it’s a problem. The Eagles and Seahawks have pretty good rosters except the safeties and possibly one CB. That alone is enough to kill your Super Bowl chances.
+1 I believe that is so doable in 2024. MHJ, Latu/Newton, OL-Center & an upgrade at Offense Coordinator. And that is all before we even consider what we can do in FA. Holy moly we should have an incredible team in 2024 and beyond. That "Super Bowl Ready" team we talked about is definitely still achievable. But if the Bears tear it down again with new GM and coaches and some fuzz-faced rookie QB - I just see another crap Bears team for the next decade here. Same old crap.
At some point you just gotta move on from firing and teadowns - and build something. The foundation piece of 2023 is so ready to build upon in 2024 and 2025.
I think the offense and defensive line would be set. Although Poles has already put 3 high draft picks into the secondary, I think it will be the weak link in 2024. People here give me crap for saying that, but I think it’s a problem. The Eagles and Seahawks have pretty good rosters except the safeties and possibly one CB. That alone is enough to kill your Super Bowl chances.
No need to think about that for now. Our CBs are one of the most potent in the league : JJ (he will stay), Gordon, one of Stevenson and Terell will pan out too. At S we have awesome Brisker , Jackson will probably be a goner, but we can sign or draft a S. So, I dont get it tbh.
I think the offense and defensive line would be set. Although Poles has already put 3 high draft picks into the secondary, I think it will be the weak link in 2024. People here give me crap for saying that, but I think it’s a problem. The Eagles and Seahawks have pretty good rosters except the safeties and possibly one CB. That alone is enough to kill your Super Bowl chances.
No need to think about that for now. Our CBs are one of the most potent in the league : JJ (he will stay), Gordon, one of Stevenson and Terell will pan out too. At S we have awesome Brisker , Jackson will probably be a goner, but we can sign or draft a S. So, I dont get it tbh.
Bears are allowing 230 yards passing per game. That ranks 23rd. The pass rush has been pretty good since Flus took over the job and Sweat arrived. Teams have been passing up the middle against our LBs, but the secondary is a bigger problem. I don’t want to restart a firestorm about it, but I want Stevenson replaced by somebody— maybe T. Smith — before next season.
+1 I believe that is so doable in 2024. MHJ, Latu/Newton, OL-Center & an upgrade at Offense Coordinator. And that is all before we even consider what we can do in FA. Holy moly we should have an incredible team in 2024 and beyond. That "Super Bowl Ready" team we talked about is definitely still achievable. But if the Bears tear it down again with new GM and coaches and some fuzz-faced rookie QB - I just see another crap Bears team for the next decade here. Same old crap.
At some point you just gotta move on from firing and teadowns - and build something. The foundation piece of 2023 is so ready to build upon in 2024 and 2025.
I think the offense and defensive line would be set. Although Poles has already put 3 high draft picks into the secondary, I think it will be the weak link in 2024. People here give me crap for saying that, but I think it’s a problem. The Eagles and Seahawks have pretty good rosters except the safeties and possibly one CB. That alone is enough to kill your Super Bowl chances.
The good news is that we are just talking about three draft picks in 2024 (MHJ, DL, C), and we still have free agency and 2025 drafts, not to mention we have a number of 2024 picks outside of the 1st round too... could hit on a few good players yet in that draft. Once you are past that initial rebuild draft (2023) it does get easier. We are not building an entire roster from the ground up anymore. We are building on a foundation that is already laid. I'm feeling pretty good about this team. The only thing that could screw this up is if the Bears destroy the Bears themselves by blowing it up with firings and jettisoning players - that should be kept. Improve what you already have with strategic additions (offensive coordinator, and the player upgrades that I think most of us here agree are needed) and I think the team is going to ascend pretty quickly in 2024 and beyond.
