Cody Whitehair believes big things are in store for the Bears
Last year, most figured the Chicago Bears were in for a long season and sure enough, that turned out to be 100% correct. The Bears ended up with the No. 1 overall pick, but fortunately, they have a franchise quarterback in Justin Fields. Therefore, they were able to trade that pick for a legit No. […]
Last year, most figured the Chicago Bears were in for a long season and sure enough, that turned out to be 100% correct.
The Bears ended up with the No. 1 overall pick, but fortunately, they have a franchise quarterback in Justin Fields. Therefore, they were able to trade that pick for a legit No. 1 wideout in D.J. Moore and a bevy of draft picks.
Said trade, the Bears' moves in free agency, and Fields' 2022 development have created a different feeling heading into 2023. It's one of excitement and purpose and it's not just because it's June and everyone's batting 1.000.
"There's a different feel this year," Pro Bowl offensive lineman Cody Whitehair told reporters Wednesday. "Everybody's really hungry this year. You know, guys came in and look great and they're working hard. So we like where we're at. And obviously, we're gonna continue to get better. But it's nice that we have most of our team here, you know, through this voluntary phase to get things rolling on the right foot…
"… I mean, there's always that optimism at this time of year, but you just feel it at the next level, I guess. Guys are really eager to get back and are eager to work for each other. And I think we have the right pieces, this year, to really make a run."
The Bears know what they're capable of in 2023
And they also know the NFC North is ripe for the taking. The Green Bay Packers no longer have Aaron Rodgers, the Minnesota Vikings have a ton of questions, and the Detroit Lions are…well, the Detroit Lions. Sure, there are plenty of reasons to be excited about the Lions, but, they have to make the postseason before they're to be taken completely seriously.
The Bears offense should be above-average – it's the defense that has a lot to prove. All three levels were pretty miserable in 2022, so it's key that Matt Eberflus and co. find some kind of consistent improvement this year.
If that happens, then the sky is the limit. And this team knows it.
"We have a lot of good players in here and we're really excited where we're at and where we're gonna go," said Whitehair. "… I love what's going on here. And, you know, we're gonna get this thing turned around. So I'm, I'm looking forward to being part of that."
Featured image via Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports
