The Chicago Bears have much more positive energy entering the 2023 season than the 2022 season. 

The team made several smart moves this offseason to add talent to the roster, including trading for star receiver DJ Moore and signing veteran linebacker Tremaine Edmunds. 

While likely not contenders just yet, the team should still take a step forward. Today, I wanted to identify three reasons to be positive about the Chicago Bears in 2023. 

The continued development of Justin Fields

Fields did enough in 2022 for the Bears to commit to the former Buckeye as the QB of the future. This was after a disappointing rookie season in which the offense wasn't catered to Fields' play style. 

In 2023, Fields will have a much better offensive line and receiver room. With DJ Moore, Chase Claypool, and Darnell Mooney added at receiver and Nate Davis and Darnell Wright added on the line, Fields will finally have a quality supporting cast. 

Fields was able to throw for 17 passing TDs and 2,242 passing yards in 2022 with a lackluster supporting cast. The sky is seemingly the limit now that Fields is surrounded by playmakers. 

The defense should be much better

No team in the league collected fewer sacks than the Bears did in 2022. Additionally, only Houston sported a worse run defense in 2022 than the Bears. 

It's safe to say that general manager Ryan Poles knew these areas needed to be addressed. TJ Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds were brought in as tackling machines for the middle of the defense. Neither player is known for gaudy sack numbers, but both are excellent in coverage and exceptional tacklers. 

Edge defenders DeMarcus Walker and Rasheem Green were brought in from Tennessee and Houston respectively and should bolster the pass rush. 

Finally, the secondary will be exciting as young rookie Tyrique Stevenson seems primed to secure a starting corner spot. 

The NFC North is open

Aaron Rodgers has haunted the dreams of Bears' players and fans for years now. Luckily, that all came to an end once Rodgers was traded to the New York Jets this offseason. 

With Rodgers no longer in Green Bay, the division seems open. The Lions are currently the favorite to win the division, but it's by no means a sure thing. The Vikings are rebuilding and the Packers have a new QB for the first time in almost two decades. If the Bears can take care of business in the division, I would not be surprised to see the team sneak into the playoffs as NFC North winners. 

Ultimately, I believe the Bears are still one year away. However, if the Packers and Vikings struggle like many think, the Lions could be the only team standing in the Bears' way. 

Featured image via © Matt Marton | 2022 Oct 13