The defensive side is doing well, need a 3 technique...and another edge, a safety and we're good...offense a center, OL swing lineman, wr, and a later round qb to coach up...
We can't pay Peterman for ever....
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Chicago Bears 2023-2024
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We can't pay Peterman for ever....
In that year's combine back in 2019, there was only one running back that had a faster time was Ravens RB Justice Hill who ran a 4.40. Obviously the fastest ever time for a DL. This is the video of Sweat's 40 yard dash at the combine:
That is amazing...I figured half would be under his time but...just 1, awesome...!
If it took you 3 years to figure out Mitch wasn’t the guy, not sure we can trust your opinion about QBs. j/k
I’m not sure what you mean by “high draft pick,” but if you’re advocating for using first pick on QB and keeping Fields, I think you’re nuts. Basically you’re squandering your resources in the hopes of what, getting the QB position right? Problem is no guarantee you come out with a good QB and you’ve wasted important resources.
The number 1 pick is worth more before the draft than the player you pick is soon after the draft. Only way that isn’t true is if he comes out right away looking like a combination of Mahomes, Brady and Peyton. In that scenario, Fields’ trade value has gone down from what it was prior to the draft. And even if he has maintained his value, you’ve lost all of most of the value of having a QB on year one of rookie contract by paying Fields year 4 money. If Fields comes out on top, the rookie QB will never be worth 3 number 1s, a 2 and a 3, which is what Bears got last year for #1 (though took Moore rather than the third first rounder).
Where the Bears are, they need to maximize resources to build a winner. That means making a choice. You either keep Fields and use the resources you get back by trading the first pick (or drafting Harrison) or you trade Fields for what you can (a second pick hopefully), take a QB with first pick and further build around him with FA signings because of savings of resetting rookie contract. Just makes no sense where they are at as a team to have both. Especially because no guarantee either will be the QB of the future. So have to maximize things to at least built rest of team.
I go back and forth which way to go. I do wonder if Poles will stick with Fields again. Not often a GM has back to back first picks in draft. He stuck with Fields once; will he do it again?
As to coaching staff. I’m not a big fan of Eberflus’s, but I saw yesterday that since Sweat joined Bears in week 9 they’ve had a top 5 defense. Have to give him credit for that. Definitely would have no problem with Getsy being shown the door.
The question is what Fields gets you in a trade at this point. If he hasn’t shown he can be “the guy” to the Bears, why will some other team feel differently? How much will the Bears get for a middling QB with one season left on his contract and a comparatively expensive 5th year option that has to be picked up this offseason? A 3rd round pick?
Are the Bears better off getting that 3rd round pick, drafting a qb #1 and signing a veteran backup to be a bridge or just retaining Fields for another season to be that bridge? This becomes a very important question if we think next year’s team should be competing for a playoff spot.
Are the Bears better off getting that 3rd round pick, drafting a qb #1 and signing a veteran backup to be a bridge or just retaining Fields for another season to be that bridge? This becomes a very important question if we think next year’s team should be competing for a playoff spot.
Looking at past trades of former 1st round pick QBs traded at about the same age as Fields would be if he were traded this offseason, the question is will the Bears get a return like the Cardinals did for Rosen (2nd and 5th) or the Panthers did for Darnold (2nd, 4th and 6th)? Or a return more like the Browns got for Mayfield or the 49ers got for Lance (4th round pick in both cases)?
The question is whether Fields is good enough to be your QB for the next 5 years. If you think so then you draft Harrison or trade the pick to build a better team around Fields. If not, you trade him to a team that thinks he can be that guy for them based on what they’ve seen and how he would fit in their system. I think they could get a second round pick, but even a third rounder is a potential piece to help the new rookie QB. You don’t keep him around and suck any value he has up. Or worse, completely waste resources by sucking up the value of the rookie QB. 49ers are proof of that with the 4th rounder they got for Trey Lance after trading 3 firsts to get him.
And if you think right now that the Bears are a playoff contender next year, what are you basing that upon? Are they if Fields plays at the same level? Then keep him and improve the rest of the team by using the #1 pick on Harrison or more assets. Are they if Fields improves somewhat? Well then decide if he can and if not move on. That’s the GMs job — not to waste resources cuz he can’t decide or is too afraid to make a decision.
If Fields isn’t good enough, then you find a QB who you think is good enough. That is most likely drafting a QB #1. And you play that QB. You don’t kick the can down the road and risk burning valuable resources. I’m not sure which is the right direction to go, but I know as I think does any GM worth a damn that you don’t have both QBs on your roster next year.
Mayfield is a little different in that Browns had already picked up his fifth year option. That’s why you trade Fields now if you deem him not your QB of the future. The new team will be trading for him because they do think he is their future and they have that 5th year option available. The Browns messed that up.
I addressed Lance in previous post. He’s the poster child for why Bears shouldn’t draft QB at #1 and keep Fields. That’s how you piss away resources.
JF is making this a tougher decision than it was a few weeks ago. IF he continues to stay healthy and move the offense, I am okay with Poles trading back and getting more picks. I think picking a WR #1 is foolish no matter how good of a prospect he is.
The defense has improved a great deal since the Sweat acquisition. They definitely passed the eye test on Sunday, but depth is a major concern if one guy, albeit a really good guy, can make that big of a difference.
I think they are approaching the stage of development where they don't need a savior. They need continuity and depth. My thought (right now today...subject to change...lol) is that they should continue to build the team around the QB.
I still think Fields is improving. It may not be at the rate many of us would like, but he is getting better. If we continue to improve the overall talent of the squad, he won't have to be great. If he still can't get the team into playoff contention next season, we will still likely be drafting fairly early and can bring a rookie QB into a much better situation.
One thing I think is clear is that Luke Getsy isn't a very good coach. It's really hard to judge/develop a QB with an OC who too attached to his scheme to play to his players' strengths. It's clear they spent the offseason working on things that won't work for the current Bears. While they have made some adjustments, imagine if they had the scheme they are running now installed week 1....
To be a championship caliber team, a lot of things need to improve besides simply the QB. I'm of a mind that we build a great team, and then let the QB situation sort itself out. That's what SF, KC, Philly, Bal, etc... did. They built good teams then found a QB outside the first 10 picks. They are also perennially among the best teams in the league.
The defense has improved a great deal since the Sweat acquisition. They definitely passed the eye test on Sunday, but depth is a major concern if one guy, albeit a really good guy, can make that big of a difference.
I think they are approaching the stage of development where they don't need a savior. They need continuity and depth. My thought (right now today...subject to change...lol) is that they should continue to build the team around the QB.
I still think Fields is improving. It may not be at the rate many of us would like, but he is getting better. If we continue to improve the overall talent of the squad, he won't have to be great. If he still can't get the team into playoff contention next season, we will still likely be drafting fairly early and can bring a rookie QB into a much better situation.
One thing I think is clear is that Luke Getsy isn't a very good coach. It's really hard to judge/develop a QB with an OC who too attached to his scheme to play to his players' strengths. It's clear they spent the offseason working on things that won't work for the current Bears. While they have made some adjustments, imagine if they had the scheme they are running now installed week 1....
To be a championship caliber team, a lot of things need to improve besides simply the QB. I'm of a mind that we build a great team, and then let the QB situation sort itself out. That's what SF, KC, Philly, Bal, etc... did. They built good teams then found a QB outside the first 10 picks. They are also perennially among the best teams in the league.
Bears will be lucky to get a 4th round pick
Hmm... In terms of Quarterback rating, 50 is considered average, and anything over 60 is considered elite.
In 5 of his last 6 games (basically since Getsy scrapped his pre-season playbook), Fields has had a QB rating above 80.
I have no NFL affiliation since the Rams left St Louis and just enjoy football...so no bias here. The two scenarios are just for fun and feeling out the fanbase on here.
GM Poles should have some sense if Fields is staying or going by now. Way too much film/interactions with him and will be around 40 games by the time this season ends. I don't know which way he leans but few questions for the Bears fans.
Fields is making just over $18 million on his rookie contract. I know Fields has a cap hit around $5 million this year and $6 million next season. If they decide to stick with Fields he will likely get a contract extension. How does the fanbase feel about them using the #1 pick for other positions/Draft Capital/Future Picks while paying Fields $15M, $20M, $25M a year for multiple years? Would Poles ride with Fields with no contract extenstion next season, pass on a franchise QB at #1 two seasons in a row, play out next season and than decide?
The other scenario is they move on from Fields and draft a new QB. There are other QBs in the Draft but likely be Williams and Maye in top few picks. Is the fanbase sold on Williams/Maye to take over? If so, how confident are you the Bears draft the better QB between them?
GM Poles should have some sense if Fields is staying or going by now. Way too much film/interactions with him and will be around 40 games by the time this season ends. I don't know which way he leans but few questions for the Bears fans.
Fields is making just over $18 million on his rookie contract. I know Fields has a cap hit around $5 million this year and $6 million next season. If they decide to stick with Fields he will likely get a contract extension. How does the fanbase feel about them using the #1 pick for other positions/Draft Capital/Future Picks while paying Fields $15M, $20M, $25M a year for multiple years? Would Poles ride with Fields with no contract extenstion next season, pass on a franchise QB at #1 two seasons in a row, play out next season and than decide?
The other scenario is they move on from Fields and draft a new QB. There are other QBs in the Draft but likely be Williams and Maye in top few picks. Is the fanbase sold on Williams/Maye to take over? If so, how confident are you the Bears draft the better QB between them?
If you aren't seeing growth in addition to his undeniable physical traits, I'm not sure what games you have been watching. I'm not saying he's unquestionably the long-term answer, but his improvement of late is intriguing. I'd rather the team build a complete roster before taking another big swing at QB. Fields has been on terrible rosters with bad coaching. (Shout out to Coach Nagy, who is making the great Patrick Mahomes appear human) I don't think the "total body of work" is necessarily representative of what the Bears are now or moving forward. I think judging him by the next several weeks will be more critical than judging what he did prior to this season.
If they don't get the other issues fixed (particularly, depth and talent on both lines), they'll just be setting up for yet another first round QB failure.
The way i see it, I don't think there is a wrong answer between keeping and trading Fields. Both have their merit. I think the only wrong answers are to keep Fields and still draft a QB #1 or to use the #1 pick for anyone other than Caleb Williams, so if you keep Fields, you need to trade the #1 pick again, knowing that you should get a bigger haul this year than the Panthers gave up last year. Even if the solution is trading down to 2 with NE to still take MH Jr.
I do think that Fields is better than Sam Darnold and would bring a larger haul than when he was traded, and I can see at least 4 teams (Steelers, Raiders, Falcons, Vikings) who will have interest and likely won't be able to draft a QB in the top 5.
I do think that Fields is better than Sam Darnold and would bring a larger haul than when he was traded, and I can see at least 4 teams (Steelers, Raiders, Falcons, Vikings) who will have interest and likely won't be able to draft a QB in the top 5.
Every pro football franchise must always ask the same question every year: Can we win a Super Bowl with this guy? This guy right now... not what he might be tomorrow (for that may never come).
That's really the only thing that should matter to the franchise and the fan base. If you honestly believe that your current QB has the talent and toughness and intensity to win The Big One... and is not mistake-prone or otherwise derailing himself.. then your team has your guy.
And if NOT? Lots of guys just praying to get that chance. And lots of teammates who you need to be fair to and give them the best chance to win the prize.
Atlanta is one team I saw mentioned by talking heads on ESPN. He likely fits how they want to play. I’d be surprised if all they could get is a 4th as one poster surmised. Fields has talent and it is no secret that the coaches/systems he’s had have at best not helped him develop and at worse have stunted his development. A team/coach will feel they can turn that potential into a solid+ QB at least.
Like I’ve said in previous posts, I’m not sure which direction they should go. But like you I think the notion of drafting a QB #1 and keeping Fields makes no sense at all.
What I'd love to see is for the Bears to trade Fields to Las Vegas (for a third and fourth) and then dreaft Bo Nix.
I've been watching that guy and he is big, has a great, accurate arm, is a top athlete and serveys the field well. And DELIVERS!!
What's not to like? We can trade back our own first and still get him somewhere between 8th and 15th...
I've been watching that guy and he is big, has a great, accurate arm, is a top athlete and serveys the field well. And DELIVERS!!
What's not to like? We can trade back our own first and still get him somewhere between 8th and 15th...
The problem I have with Bo Nix and also Michael Penix is how much of their success is because they are 23 years old playing against teenagers? How good do you imagine Justin Fields would have looked if he was playing in his 4th year at stacked Ohio State last year at age 23 instead of his 2nd year with the depleted Bears roster?
Plus it is super risky to trade down and hope your QB is there. What happens if another team likes the same QB and picks them right before you?
FlyNavy
- Los Angeles
# of QBs drafted in the top 5 that started and won a Super Bowl with the team that drafted them (by year they were drafted)
2020s: 0 (so far, unlikely to change this season)
2010s: 0
2000s: 1 (Eli Manning)
1990s: 1 (Peyton Manning)
1980s: 3 (McMahon, Elway, Aikman)
I think that's interesting in an era where (supposedly) it's all about the QB, the championships are won by teams that either found a QB later in the draft or acquired a QB via trade or free agency. While I'm not fully sold that Fields is THE guy, I'm thinking there's a lot or risk going with Williams or Maye. History tells us one will probably be a bust and the other will be good but still fall short (or maybe go to a new team and win it all).
Best move IMO is to trade down, continue to build a sold team around Fields. If the QB needs to be addressed down the road, it would be much easier to do so when you have built a team that can lure in a good veteran QB.
2020s: 0 (so far, unlikely to change this season)
2010s: 0
2000s: 1 (Eli Manning)
1990s: 1 (Peyton Manning)
1980s: 3 (McMahon, Elway, Aikman)
I think that's interesting in an era where (supposedly) it's all about the QB, the championships are won by teams that either found a QB later in the draft or acquired a QB via trade or free agency. While I'm not fully sold that Fields is THE guy, I'm thinking there's a lot or risk going with Williams or Maye. History tells us one will probably be a bust and the other will be good but still fall short (or maybe go to a new team and win it all).
Best move IMO is to trade down, continue to build a sold team around Fields. If the QB needs to be addressed down the road, it would be much easier to do so when you have built a team that can lure in a good veteran QB.
Maybe should be an asterisk on the 2010’s. Carson Wentz, 2nd overall pick in 2016, started 13 games for the Eagles in 2017, going 11-2, before he got hurt.
You also have Joe Burrow (#1 in 2020) losing by 3 points. Matt Ryan (#3 in 2008) losing by 6 in one of the most improbable comebacks of all time. Donovan McNabb (#2 in 1999) losing by 3. And Steve McNair (#3 in 1995) losing by inches.
Plenty of guys taken later in the first round - Mahomes, Flacco, Rodgers, Roethlisberger - have won Super Bowls. Lamar Jackson has a real good shot to join them this year. These tend to be better teams to begin with than the teams taking quarterbacks in the top 5.
It’s a chicken and egg thing. Is it the team being bad or the qb not being good enough? Technically, in Eli Manning’s case, he was picked first overall, but not by the team he won the Super Bowl with. He was traded a couple days later to a team that wasn’t bad enough to earn the 1st overall pick before he eventually won his 2 Super Bowls. The Bears would be in a situation more like Manning’s Giants than other teams drafting the first overall pick.
Illwinsagain
- Cary, IL
Personally, I like the idea of trading the first pick, to a bad team that will likely still be bad next year, like Carolina this year. I don't watch enough other NFL to know who would be best. Trade for this year's and next years #1 and #2. That would keep you in a position to draft early again next year. I would like to stay in the top 3, to get MHJ, if he is what everyone says he is.
Also, I didn't realize that no Top 5 pick QB's have won the Super Bowl since Eli. With regards to how I feel about paying Fields, not my concern. Someone needs to get the money and it is not mine. I realize that it drains from other players, but I don't think that it would be the worse use of resources. Especially, if he had a very solid O-line and a great defense to work with.
Also, I didn't realize that no Top 5 pick QB's have won the Super Bowl since Eli. With regards to how I feel about paying Fields, not my concern. Someone needs to get the money and it is not mine. I realize that it drains from other players, but I don't think that it would be the worse use of resources. Especially, if he had a very solid O-line and a great defense to work with.
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