Bears fans should be even more worried about Ryan Poles replicating Matt Eberflus’ error.
In the world of the NFL, every team has its ups and downs, and the Chicago Bears are no stranger to inconsistency and struggles. However, there are moments when a team’s leadership needs to take a long, hard look in the mirror and ask whether they are making the right moves to build for the future. One of the central concerns for Bears fans today lies in the hands of General Manager Ryan Poles, as he faces the possibility of replicating the same errors that his head coach Matt Eberflus made in earlier years.
Both Poles and Eberflus are relatively new to their roles, having arrived in Chicago with promises of a culture change and a focus on long-term success. However, while Eberflus has faced intense scrutiny for his coaching decisions and the team’s underperformance, the spotlight on Poles’ moves — particularly regarding roster management and draft decisions — is beginning to intensify. As the Bears rebuild for the future, one has to wonder if Poles is on the verge of repeating the mistakes of his coaching counterpart, or even exacerbating them. Bears fans should be more worried about this possibility than ever before.
Eberflus’ Early Mistakes: Setting a Troubling Precedent
Matt Eberflus was brought in as the head coach of the Chicago Bears with high expectations, primarily focusing on developing the team’s defense while creating a disciplined, high-energy culture. However, as the seasons have unfolded, it has become clear that Eberflus has made numerous decisions that have set the team back, rather than advancing it.
One of Eberflus’ biggest issues early on has been his defensive philosophy and the lack of adjustments made to adapt to the evolving game. Despite a defensive background, Eberflus’ defensive schemes have not consistently delivered results, especially against high-powered offenses. The Bears have been unable to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, leaving the secondary exposed and vulnerable. In a league dominated by passing offenses, Eberflus’ defense has struggled to keep up, and his inability to make adjustments when things go wrong has been a significant flaw.
Another area of concern with Eberflus’ tenure has been his underwhelming use of younger players. The Bears have several high-potential draft picks, but under Eberflus, these players have often been left on the sideline or not used in optimal ways. Whether it’s the development of quarterback Justin Fields, offensive players like Darnell Mooney, or defensive standouts like Jaquan Brisker, the team has frequently failed to maximize the potential of its roster. The inability to build player confidence and develop young talent — a critical part of any successful rebuild — has been troubling to fans and analysts alike.
The lack of success in his first two years raises the question: is Eberflus truly the right coach to lead this rebuilding process? And if not, how might General Manager Ryan Poles replicate — or worsen — these mistakes, leading the Bears into another cycle of stagnation?
Ryan Poles: A General Manager at a Crossroads
Poles arrived in Chicago with a strong reputation as a rising star in NFL front offices, largely due to his tenure with the Kansas City Chiefs. His expertise in building teams with a strong focus on the draft and developing talent was a key selling point. Yet, as Poles continues to build the Bears’ roster, his decisions in the offseason — particularly the 2023 draft — have drawn mixed reviews.
One major question mark for Poles and the Bears’ front office is the team’s handling of the quarterback position. Justin Fields has shown flashes of brilliance and is undoubtedly the centerpiece of the Bears’ future. However, Poles’ decision-making in the supporting roster has often undermined Fields’ development. While Fields possesses incredible physical tools — speed, arm strength, and playmaking ability — he has struggled with consistency, and much of that can be attributed to the lack of a strong offensive line, limited receiving talent, and an offensive scheme that hasn’t maximized his strengths.
The most glaring issue is Poles’ apparent reluctance to heavily invest in offensive line talent during his first few seasons. In 2023, the Bears made some attempts to improve their offensive line by signing free agents like Nate Davis and drafting players such as Darnell Wright. However, the line has still struggled to provide Fields with the protection he needs to fully realize his potential. Poles’ inability to prioritize building a truly elite offensive line may end up being a significant error that stifles the development of Fields, just as Eberflus’ failure to develop young talent has been one of his largest coaching pitfalls.
Another key issue with Poles has been his approach to wide receiver talent. Fields desperately needs a top-tier target, yet Poles has not aggressively pursued a true number-one receiver to help him take the next step. In recent drafts and free-agent periods, the Bears have selected and signed players, but there has been no major acquisition or clear strategy to bring in a reliable playmaker for Fields. The resulting lack of dynamic weapons on the field has significantly limited the offense’s growth.
Looking at Poles’ track record, it’s apparent that the general manager has struggled to balance the need for immediate help with long-term vision. By favoring young players and building for the future, Poles has inadvertently left the team vulnerable in the present, which hurts the development of players like Fields. This is eerily reminiscent of Eberflus’ inability to adapt his coaching style and use younger players effectively — a problem that fans should be particularly wary of moving forward.
Avoiding the ‘Eberflus Effect’: The Danger of Poles’ Long-Term Vision
The biggest concern for Bears fans is that Poles may fall into a similar trap that Eberflus has: an over-reliance on long-term vision at the expense of the present. The idea of “building for the future” is sound, but it must come with an understanding that, in the NFL, success must come relatively quickly in order to maintain fan enthusiasm, attract free agents, and develop a winning culture.
If Poles continues to focus too much on future draft picks and long-term development at the expense of building a competitive roster now, the Bears will find themselves in an even deeper hole. The pressure on the organization to improve should not be underestimated — the Bears have had only a handful of winning seasons since their last Super Bowl appearance in 2006, and the frustration among fans is palpable.
Poles must learn from Eberflus’ early mistakes and take a more balanced approach, one that prioritizes addressing immediate needs — like strengthening the offensive line and acquiring a reliable receiver — while not losing sight of future growth. Continuing to put too much stock in “building for the future” without making serious moves to improve in the present would risk alienating the fan base and wasting another year of Justin Fields’ prime development.
One thing that is critical to avoid is stagnation. The Bears cannot afford to keep rebuilding in the same cycle without showing tangible signs of progress. The failure to put a competent team around Fields could result in him being lost in the weeds, either developing bad habits or simply becoming frustrated with the lack of support. If Poles isn’t careful, he could end up repeating the mistake of prioritizing future assets over immediate help, and the team will continue to stall while other organizations pass them by.
Potential Red Flags for Poles’ Future
While Poles has shown potential with his previous experience and some of his early moves, there are several red flags that could indicate he is at risk of replicating Eberflus’ error:
- Failure to Secure a Reliable Offensive Line: The offensive line remains a key weakness, and if Poles does not aggressively pursue top-tier talent to fix this issue, Fields’ development could stall permanently.
- Lack of Offensive Weaponry: By not prioritizing a top-tier wide receiver or even a second-level playmaker to complement Mooney and Kmet, Poles risks limiting Fields’ growth as a quarterback.
- Unwillingness to Be Aggressive in Free Agency: Poles needs to show that he is not afraid to make bold moves in free agency to fill glaring holes on the roster. If the Bears continue to rely solely on the draft, they could risk wasting critical years of Fields’ development.
- Slow Roster Development: If Poles continues to prioritize long-term assets over immediate improvements, the Bears may continue to rebuild without making meaningful strides on the field.
