As the Chicago Bears prepare for their upcoming matchup with the New England Patriots, the pressure is building not just on head coach Matt Eberflus but also on general manager Ryan Poles. While Eberflus has faced heavy criticism for the Bears’ ongoing struggles, including a 14-28 record and offensive woes under embattled offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, Poles has largely escaped similar scrutiny. However, many are now pointing to Poles as a central figure responsible for the team’s lack of depth and struggles in critical areas.
Poles’ tenure as GM, marked by a dramatic roster overhaul and a focus on long-term strategy, included tanking during the 2022 season to secure high draft picks. That strategy paid off when the Bears traded their 2023 first-overall pick for assets, leading to key acquisitions like DJ Moore and OT Darnell Wright. Despite these highlights, the lack of consistent draft success, particularly on the offensive and defensive lines, has left the Bears exposed. Issues on both fronts have hampered the development of rookie QB Caleb Williams and left the defense struggling to contain opponents.
The blame is amplified as Poles, a former offensive lineman, has yet to construct a reliable offensive line despite having the resources to do so. While standout players like Montez Sweat were added via trade, much of the Bears’ core talent still hails from the previous management era, with limited contributions from recent drafts beyond Wright and DT Gervon Dexter. In a season plagued by injuries, the lack of depth is especially concerning.
Waldron’s performance as offensive coordinator has also brought Poles under the microscope. If the Bears’ offense doesn’t improve soon, calls to dismiss Waldron may grow louder. Such a move could raise further questions about Poles’ talent evaluation and decision-making, especially given his role in selecting Waldron to guide Williams’ development. If Waldron is ultimately let go, Poles may face heightened scrutiny over his hiring choices.
Ultimately, while Eberflus bears responsibility for in-game coaching decisions, the Bears’ struggles highlight deeper issues in roster construction and management under Poles. As the Bears aim to end their losing streak, the outcome of upcoming games could influence the future of both Poles and Eberflus in Chicago.
