Ryan Poles Sends Bears OL Coach Chris Morgan A Warning In Interview
Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles made it clear before the season that he was confident in the team’s talent along the offensive line. He feels it is by far the deepest unit he’s put together since taking over in 2022. They had performed well last year. His optimism was palpable. So it must’ve been incredibly frustrating watching the line struggle through the season’s first two weeks. Not only have they allowed nine sacks on quarterback Caleb Williams, but they haven’t gotten any of their running backs going in the ground game. D’Andre Swift is averaging two yards per carry.
Poles appeared on the ESPN 1000 PreGame Show to discuss the team’s current status. Inevitably, the offensive line came up. He didn’t mince words. In his mind, their struggles had nothing to do with talent. It was all about communication, technique, and fundamental issues.
It is hard to read that and not think it is a direct indictment of offensive line coach Chris Morgan. He is the one responsible for getting his players ready. The fact they’ve looked so unprepared falls at his feet, and it sounds like Poles is running out of patience.
Ryan Poles’ message is a reminder about accountability.
It can’t be exclusive to the players. Teams must hold the coaches accountable, too. It would be one thing if the offensive line was undermanned and didn’t have the talent to compete. However, this group does. They proved it last year with some quality performances. For them to look this out of sorts doesn’t compute. Yes, the team switched offensive systems under Shane Waldron, but that doesn’t explain the gross decline in execution. That speaks to players who aren’t disciplined enough.
Remember, the team dismissed the entire offensive coaching staff this off-season, with the exception of Morgan. They felt he’d done a great job developing younger guys like Braxton Jones and Darnell Wright, so keeping him around made sense at the time. This recent start doesn’t reflect well on him. Ryan Poles made that clear. It falls on him to get the situation fixed. If he can’t, don’t be surprised if the Bears seek out a replacement at some point in the near future.