4 bold predictions for Packers, NFC North in 2023
By Joe Tuman
The Bears finish over .500
The Bears were the worst team on the gridiron last season, thus gifting them the No. 1 overall pick. Yet, with Justin Fields already under center, general manager Ryan Poles felt confident enough to trade out of the pick and bring in plenty of additional assets instead.
Chicago selected 10 players during the draft, including four within the first 64 selections. This added depth will help make the roster well-rounded, but the primary focus remains on the team's run game.
With Fields leading the way, they ran for the most collective rushing yards in the league despite their poor record. This came in spite of a young and inconsistent offensive line, and a bad passing game which telegraphed how heavily Chicago wanted to run the ball.
Acquiring offensive tackle Darnell Wright and running back Roschon Johnson in the draft, while also signing established veterans in guard Nate Davis and running back D'Onta Foreman, further bolstered the running attack.
Of course, if the Bears are to improve and make a playoff push inside the NFC, the passing game will have to elevate as well. Poles and coach Matt Eberflus are expecting Fields to take a leap in year three.
After an ugly start throwing the ball, Fields looked more comfortable under center during the back half of last season, even with Darnell Mooney sidelined by an injury.
With Mooney set to return and paired with new acquisition DJ Moore, Fields suddenly has two above-average pass catchers to rely on. If he puts it all together, his team should be able to take a real step forward.
Additional offseason moves to add to the secondary and the linebacker corps signals the Bears' defense is in a good space at the moment. Finding ways to consistently score points is their clearest concern.
Because Chicago is now tasked with a favorable fourth-place schedule, offensive strides will lead to an impressive turnaround in the Windy City.