When talking about the Chicago Bears, quarterback Justin Fields is often seen as the biggest X-factor. 

So much of a team's success (or lack thereof), falls at the feet of the QB, so this makes sense. There were some encouraging signs from Fields in 2022, even if that didn't translate to wins. The Bears did lead the NFL in rushing yards per game last year in no small part ddue to Fields. 

While it's easy to talk about Fields, one former GM correctly pointed out that there are bigger issues with this team in 2023. 

Former Saints and Dolphins GM Randy Mueller recently detailed his biggest concern for each NFC North team. 

For the Bears, Mueller acknowledged that Fields will need to be better. "I understand slowing the coverage game down for Fields and making his reads and processing simple, but he has to develop some anticipation, some timing to get the ball out and a feel for operating in the pocket," explained Mueller. 

However, this is not Mueller's biggest concern. Instead, the former GM offered the following:

My bigger concern, though, is the Bears’ defense and Matt Eberflus’ struggle to help this side of the ball, even though his defensive expertise is what got him hired as head coach in the first place. I realize a scheme and structure change is taking place, but the Bears last season had the worst scoring defense in the league, they had just 20 sacks and they were last in the NFL in getting off the field on third downs (49 percent). They also were terrible at stopping the run, allowing 31 rushing TDs (the Steelers and Patriots gave up seven each). All of a sudden, the offensive issues pale in comparison.

Mueller brings up some good points here. For one, it is concerning that the Bears' defense was so atrocious even with a defensive-minded head coach. I recently penned a piece explaining why I wouldn't write Eberflus off just yet, but it is a valid concern. 

The Bears' defense was putrid in almost every category in 2023 as Mueller pointed out. Will adding Tremaine Edmunds, TJ Edwards, and Andrew Billings in free agency do enough to change this? 

Well, those moves certainly can't hurt. Edmunds is one of the best all-around linebackers in the sport, and Edwards and Billings will improve the run defense. Rookie corner Tyrique Stevenson figures to play a big role immediately and star safety Eddie Jackson is healthy again. 

All-in-all, the Bears' defense should be improved in 2023. Then again, it would be almost impossible to be any worse. As Mueller points out, the Bears need to be much better on this side of the ball, especially with a "defensive guru" head coach. With the offense seemingly on the upswing, the defense will need to carry it's own weight. 

The Bears will have the third-most cap space in the league next season, so the team will be able to bring in more reinforcements if needed. 

Featured image via © Kirby Lee | 2023 Feb 28