Bear Necessities: George McCaskey evaluates Ryan Poles, Matt Eberflus so far
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We’re still early on into the Ryan Poles-Matt Eberflus era — it’s only April — but Bears Chairman George McCaskey likes what he’s seen so far from the new regime.
“I’m very impressed with how both Ryan and Matt have hit the ground running, getting us off to a good start in 2022,” McCaskey said at the NFL owners meetings. “I’m especially impressed with Ryan’s demeanor. Very self-possessed, very confident. Patient. Disciplined.”
Poles hasn’t made a splash so far in free agency, but he’s carefully crafted a roster where he hasn’t had to overspend and added some potential contributors to one-year prove-it deals. It’s the kind of low-risk, high-reward you’d expect from the first-year GM.
As for what McCaskey is looking for in Year 1 from Poles and Eberflus, he obviously mentioned his “goal is to win a Super Bowl” mantra before sharing a more realistic goal.
“What we’re looking for is progress,” McCaskey said. “How are they putting the team together? How are they working together? Are we moving forward? Are we doing the right things? Are we doing them in the right way?”
Poles and Eberflus aren’t exactly in an ideal situation following the previous regime of Ryan Pace and Matt Nagy. Poles has had to clean up Pace’s mess with the roster, although Eberflus is inheriting a team with some key pieces in Justin Fields, Roquan Smith, Darnell Mooney and Jaylon Johnson.
While it’s important to make progress, it’s hard to imagine this Bears team doing much in 2022 as Poles is rebuilding the team from the ground up — with the exception of those key pieces. But it’ll be easier to mark progress from Year 1 to as early as Year 3.
> With the NFL draft just a few weeks away, here’s our latest seven-round Bears mock draft.
> As the Bears kicked off their offseason program, we took a look back at every move they’ve made so far.
> QB coach Ron Veal detailed Justin Fields’ offseason preparation.
> The Bears are bringing back a key depth tight end as they’ve re-signed Jesper Horsted to a one-year deal.
> In Todd McShay’s new mock draft, the Bears traded up to land Justin Fields some help in his former college teammate.
> The Bears hosted former Chiefs linebacker Anthony Hitchens for a visit this week.
> As Chicago kicked off their offseason program, we projected what the current Bears starting lineup would look like heading into 2022.
> The Bears added three new faces to the roster this week in cornerback Tavon Young, tight end Ryan Griffin and linebacker Matthew Adams.
> The Packers had interest in wide receiver DeVante Parker before he was traded to the Patriots. Read more on Packers Wire.
> Stefan Diggs’ massive contract extension means only good things for Justin Jefferson. Read more on Vikings Wire.
> How the Eagles-Saints trade impacts the draft and the Lions. Read more on Lions Wire.
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