The Chicago Bears have an issue. When it comes to having quality backups on offense, the Bears have a lack of depth. Luckily for the Bears, this issue hasn’t been exposed a ton this season, but it should be addressed this offseason. On the defensive side of the ball, the Bears have quality backups, like rookies Terrell Smith, Gervon Dexter, and Noah Sewell. But the offense is a different story.
Lack Of Depth On Offense: Cause For Concern
Tight End
Several positions lack depth on the offensive side of the ball for Chicago. Tight End is one position that needs a quality backup. Starter Cole Kmet has notably excelled for the Bears this season. He’s the only offensive player to receive 60+ targets and not drop a pass this season. Despite Kmet’s success, the Bears lack another reliable pass-catching tight end. This became evident in the last game vs. the Cleveland Browns, where backup tight end Robert Tonyan failed to secure a long pass from Justin Fields.
Offensive Guard
Tight End wasn’t the only position exposed during the game vs. the Browns. Offensive guard Teven Jenkins suffered a concussion during the game, forcing him to be sidelined for the rest of the match. When he’s active on the field, Jenkins is widely regarded as one of the Bears’ top offensive linemen. Unfortunately, Jenkins has battled multiple injuries throughout his career with the Bears, underscoring the crucial need for a quality backup offensive lineman.
Long-time starter Cody Whitehair replaced Jenkins. While Whitehair has been a fixture on the team’s offensive line for several years, his performance has declined. It seemed like the offensive line forgot how to block when Jenkins was out, leading to Justin Fields facing pressure on over 70% of his dropbacks during the game.
We’re cooked w/o Jenkins… this OL takes 15 steps back when he’s not out there#Bears https://t.co/UIK47gjgHX
— Jake (@Jake_B30) December 20, 2023
Wide Receiver
Also, the wide receiver position needs to be addressed this offseason. D.J. Moore has been an absolute stud for the Bears this season and Fields’ go-to guy. Without Moore, there’s no other guy Fields can rely on. Darnell Mooney has been a major disappointment this season and most likely won’t be resigned this offseason. While Tyler Scott has shown promise as a rookie, he hasn’t consistently proven to be a reliable target. Although Equanimeous St. Brown is a quality wide receiver, he has primarily been utilized as a blocking receiver. The Bears must find another reliable pass-catcher.
The Importance of Quality Backups
The NFL is a physically demanding sport, and injuries are inevitable. Having reliable backups ensures the Bears can maintain a competitive level of play even if key starters are sidelined with injuries. Talented backups force starters to give their best effort, creating a winning atmosphere for the Bears. In addition, unexpected roster changes may result from free agency or player departures. Dependable replacements offer protection against unforeseen events, guaranteeing that the Bears can maintain peak performance even in unanticipated losses.
Where To Find Offensive Depth
Two main solutions to finding offensive depth. Free Agency and the NFL Draft. While General Manager Ryan Poles has done an adequate job building the Bears roster, addressing the offensive depth is a pressing need. The draft seems a suitable avenue for addressing the wide receiver position. Securing a reliable WR2 in free agency can be costly, and given the abundance of talent in this year’s draft class at the wide receiver position, it makes sense to explore that option. As for Offensive Guard and Tight End, both draft and free agency present viable alternatives. Free agency offers the opportunity to sign experienced linemen and tight ends to team-friendly deals. Alternatively, opting for a more economical and youthful approach, Poles could choose to draft offensive linemen and tight ends.
Having quality backups in the NFL, both on offense and defense, is essential. The teams who make it to the Super Bowl always have quality backups to make plays when it matters most. To emphasize the importance of having sufficient lack of depth into perspective, without backup cornerback Malcolm Butler, the Patriots wouldn’t have won Super Bowl 49 vs. the Seahawks. The Bears must recognize that addressing this issue is the determining factor between becoming a successful football team and stagnating in the NFL.
Main Photo Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
