Whether or not this 2022 season for the Bears has gone to plan is something only first-year general manager Ryan Poles can say for certain, and he likely never will reveal that answer. 

The Bears (3-10) sure appear to be a struggling football team at the surface, destined for a Top 5 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and desperate for significant improvements. But as he planned for the franchise’s future when hired in late January, Poles recognized the best path towards potential long-term success would include bumps at the start. 

Poles has torn down the roster he inherited to the studs. The process of reconstruction is already underway in this foundational season for the Bears, who are working to identify building blocks for their future. 

Despite the challenges that have come for the Bears this season, there is progress being made towards Poles’ plan. What’s next for this team is becoming more clear. 

Quarterback 

Progress report 

What’s most important from this season for the Bears is that they have identified Justin Fields as the caliber of ascending quarterback who deserves their investment. The 23-year-old Fields has taken ownership of this team and produced some spectacular moments on the field this season, showcasing himself as a rising star and potential franchise quarterback. It’s a significant event for the future of this team. 

These last four weeks 

During the Bears’ 28-19 loss to the Packers last Sunday at Soldier Field, Fields produced what he believed was “one of my best games passing-wise,” and the proof was clear on tape just as it was in the numbers. He appeared more comfortable working through his progressions in the pocket and utilizing his mobility threat to create openings in coverage. Fields has already proven himself to be a sensational runner at quarterback. The continued evolution of his passing game will only serve as more reason why he’s the future of this franchise. 

What’s next? 

Simply put, Poles must give Fields more to work with. The Bears haven’t put a strong supporting cast out there with Fields on offense. The trade for wide receiver Chase Claypool was a nice start. But now Chicago must go be aggressive in free agency to add complementary skill players and bolster Fields’ protection up front. With that, the Bears can hope to find even more growth from Fields in Year 3. 

Running back 

Progress report 

The Bears entered this Week 14 bye as the NFL’s leading rushing offense, producing 2,459 yards on the ground and 16 scores. That success marks the team commitment to build out and execute the desired identity of offensive coordinator Luke Getsy. While Fields is Chicago’s leading rusher, David Montgomery and Khalil Herbert were each on 1,000-yard running paces if not for injury setbacks. 

These last four weeks 

The Bears enjoyed the production of a three-pronged rushing attack with Fields, Montgomery and Herbert. But they have not found depth at running back beyond the top two backs. Rookie Trestan Ebner needs to take better advantage of his opportunities, carrying 24 times for 54 yards this season. Darrynton Evans, who is in his third NFL season, should also see continued carries the final four games. 

What’s next? 

The reality at running back is that Poles seems unlikely to invest significant capital in this position. With that in mind, Montgomery seems bound to be an unrestricted free agent in March and not re-signed to Chicago. Herbert has established himself as a lead running back and is in line to carry the load for the Bears in 2023. How the rest of this depth chart fills out remains to be seen. 

Wide receiver  

Progress report 

Entering this season, there was a constant narrative that the Bears didn’t provide Fields with the playmakers at wide receiver to be successful. His teammates haven’t played to a standard that refutes such a notion. Darnell Mooney had just 40 receptions before suffering a season-ending ankle injury in late November. Claypool is still getting acclimated with this scheme. Rookie Velus Jones Jr. seems to have fallen out of favor already with this coaching staff. Equanimeous St. Brown, Bryon Pringle and N’Keal Harry haven’t maximized their chances. 

These last four weeks 

With Mooney sidelined for the season, Fields said he saw opportunity to establish a rapport with unfamiliar targets. In these final four games, that’s the most important goal for these wide receivers. Claypool, St. Brown, Harry and even Jones will get key opportunities to show what they can do in this offense. They must take advantage. 

What’s next? 

Part of why Poles made his bold move for Claypool was because he forecasted a weak market at wide receiver this offseason. The Bears’ best opportunity to add talent at this position will be in the draft or potentially through a trade. Claypool must emerge as the go-to target for Fields through tireless work together this offseason. Poles must work diligently in finding receivers who can fit well for Fields’ game. 

Tight end 

Progress report 

During his first two seasons, Cole Kmet simply wasn’t utilized properly by the Bears. It was worth wondering what he could be for this team. Now, it has become more evident. The 23-year-old Kmet has revealed himself as a steady ‘Y’ tight end who can create mismatches in coverage and is a strong in-line blocker.  

These last four weeks 

Kmet is the most reliable target Fields has in this offense with Mooney out for the season. They worked closely together this offseason to strengthen their connection. Fields needs Kmet as he hopes to open up this passing game. In these last four games this season, Kmet must be a key option for Fields and help open up the rest of this offense. 

What’s next? 

A second-round pick to the Bears in 2020, Kmet has merited a second contract with the team and those discussions should begin this offseason. Meanwhile, Poles would be wise to target a ‘U’ tight end complement to Kmet who could help open up the passing game. 

Offensive line 

Progress report 

It may come as surprise to some that the Bears rank 12^th by Pro Football Focus for offensive lines. It’s a credit to the continued improvements from that group, how the Bears have found the right fits for the starting five, and the work of offensive line coach Chris Morgan. During last Sunday’s game against the Packers, Fields was not sacked once as he returned from a left shoulder injury. 

These last four weeks 

The rest of this season represents key auditions on the offensive line, particularly for the two tackle positions. Braxton Jones and Alex Leatherwood will get opportunities to prove whether they belong as starters for 2023 or their positions need upgrades. Jones, a fifth-round pick in April’s NFL Draft, has shown improvements over 13 games as the starter at left tackle. But his place in the Bears’ future remains uncertain. Leatherwood was a 2021 first-round pick to the Raiders who is hoping to reset his career with the Bears. He seems likely to start at right tackle the rest of the season. 

What’s next? 

Poles must critically evaluate the line as a whole this offseason before seeking upgrades. Cody Whitehair seems likely to return at left guard and Teven Jenkins has earned his place at right guard. Lucas Patrick suffered through an injury-ravaged season but could return as the starting center for 2023. As for the tackle positions, that’s where the Bears could find more stability heading into next season. 

Defensive line 

Progress report 

In the past year, the Bears have parted ways with Khalil Mack (trade), Robert Quinn (trade), Akiem Hicks (free agency), Eddie Goldman (release), Bilal Nichols (free agency) and Mario Edwards Jr. (release). They haven’t been able to fill those voids this season. Chicago has struggled mightily to generate any kind of pass rush, ranking dead last in Pro Football Focus pass rush grades. It starts on the defensive line. 

These last four weeks 

Simply put, every defensive lineman on the Bears’ roster faces the test of earning a place in the 2023 rotation. There appear to be no building blocks on the line as currently constructed. Every player should be challenged to go earn a role for the future. Justin Jones, Trevis Gipson, Al-Quadin Muhammad — somebody, anybody — go step up. It’s been sorely lacking so far. 

What’s next? 

The 3-technique is considered the anchor of head coach Matt Eberflus’ defensive identity. Reshaping the defensive front starts with an improvement at that position. The Bears’ top priority on defense should be finding a disruptive presence at that position, whether it’s in free agency or the draft. So much of the focus with Chicago’s roster has been on offense, but the greatest needs are up front on the defensive line. 

Linebacker 

Progress report 

My, how this position group has changed over the course of this year. Back in August, the Bears were engaged in frustrating contract negotiations with star linebacker Roquan Smith. Those conversations came to a halt in August, sparked up again in October and ultimately resulted in a trade of Smith to the Ravens before the deadline. Veteran Nicholas Morrow has helped bring stability to this bunch while rookie Jack Sanborn, an undrafted free agent signed in early May, has asserted himself well at the ‘Mike’ position. 

These final four weeks 

So much of the focus at linebacker will be on the 22-year-old Sanborn, who has 54 tackles over his five starts at middle linebacker. He has four more weeks to prove that this isn’t a flash and he belongs as a starter for the Bears’ defense.  

What’s next? 

Poles and Eberflus must determine the makeup of their linebacking group for the future, one they might’ve imagined wouldn’t include Smith. If Sanborn indeed earns their faith as a starting middle linebacker, that’s a key development for this defense. Morrow’s versatility is a key component but the Bears must seek their own Shaquille Leonard at the ‘Will’ position. 

Cornerback 

Progress report 

First, let’s be fair in noting coverage works directly with pass rush. For the Bears’ cornerbacks, there has been an increased challenge because of the lack of disruption in the pocket. But this position group has endured some ups and downs in 2022. Jaylon Johnson has played at a high level while rookie Kyler Gordon has struggled at times in the nickel position. Kindle Vildor, Jaylon Jones and now Josh Blackwell have been part of an effort to mix and match in the secondary. 

These final four weeks 

Gordon must first be cleared from the concussion protocol, having missed the last two games. But once he does return, the Bears hope to see a greater level of consistency at his position. The 22-year-old Gordon, who was a high second-round pick in April’s draft, needs to look the part as he steps in with this starting defense. The Bears can feel more confident with their future in the secondary if Gordon finishes the season strong. 

What’s next? 

Like his fellow 2020 second-round pick Kmet, Johnson will be a candidate for a contract extension this offseason. Those negotiations could be complicated at the bargaining table. Johnson simply hasn’t produced a dominant season but he’s a reliable cover corner. Can his party and Poles reach an agreeable price point? The Bears must also covet an upgrade at the other outside position, where Vildor and Jones haven’t brought stability. 

Safety 

Progress report 

Veteran Eddie Jackson was living up to his billing this season and re-emerging as a star at safety. Then came a Lisfranc injury last month that cost him the remainder of this season — and could keep him sidelined well into the 2023 campaign. It’s a catastrophic injury that must force the Bears to reconsider what Jackson can be for the future of their defense. Fortunately, rookie Jaquan Brisker has looked like a key building block for the future. 

These final four weeks 

Like Gordon, Brisker also missed the last two weeks in the concussion protocol. Once he returns, these last practices and games will test how he can manage without Jackson to his side. Veteran DeAndre Houston-Carson, who is one of the longest-tenured players on the Bears’ roster, becomes a key figure in the secondary without Jackson. He has played in 90 games but started in just five, including the last two contests. A key special-teams player, Houston-Carson gets a shot now at safety. 

What’s next? 

The Bears must work closely with their medical team to determine what the 28-year-old Jackson can be once he returns next season. A Lisfranc injury can be devastating for a free safety, who relies on quick pivots and breaks in coverage. At the very least, Poles must seek a replacement to play alongside Brisker. 

Special teams 

Progress report 

Kicker Cairo Santos has left a sour taste heading into the bye week with a missed field goal and extra point in last Sunday’s loss. But he has connected on 18 of his 20 field goals this season and been quite reliable. Rookie punter Trenton Gill has averaged 46.9 yards per punt, an improvement from his predecessor Patrick O’Donnell. Meanwhile, the Bears’ roster instability has tested special-teams coordinator Richard Hightower in forming his personnel. 

These final four weeks 

Santos must make these misses a blip and find his best form in these final four games, because kickers can be quickly cast aside if they endure prolonged struggles. In the return game, Velus Jones Jr. can grasp onto a role heading into next season. 

What’s next? 

The Bears will likely return with their same battery — Santos, Gill and long snapper Patrick Scales. With improved starters at the top of the depth chart, Hightower’s special teams can find greater stability for 2023.