My expectation?
It was obvious from jump this thing was going to need a major rebuild. And when we found out who was hired as GM and HC, and the systems they are bringing in, that only confirmed it.
The only question I had was whether Poles would have the guts to just rip the bandaid off and start treatment right away, or whether he was going to try to nurse it slowly over a few years.
To me, he's doing it the right way in ripping off the bandaid and then dealing with whatever happens after in this situation, so he's already won me over.
Beyond all that, I am willing to let them bring in talent, figure things out, and work through things. My only thing is, have a plan to protect Fields.
Now, I know for some, that means overspending on free agents. You know, like such classics we've brought in recently like Germain Ifedi, Elijah Wilkenson, and perhaps the pinnacle of recent FA O-Linemen, Bobbie Massie.
For me, however, knowing that our GM and Assistant GM have a track record of finding VERY good O-Line talent in the draft for their respective organizations, I'm going to give them the chance to draft their way out of this. I know some are worried about youth, and I get it but only to an extent. Youth on the line is most crucial at center. That's because the center needs to understand the offense, see the defense, and make the line calls on who is everyone's assignment.
We already have a vet who understands this. That is Patrick, who we just signed and knows Getsy's system well. Otherwise, there may be a hiccup here and there, but just by having a steady hand at center, it can mitigate a lot of the mistakes of youth, as long as the lineman is physical. Look at Kyle Long's rookie year, for instance. He didn't sit. And it didn't really cost him, because he just flat destroyed people. The Bears are looking for Kyle Long-type people to be across the WHOLE LINE. Patrick is of that mold. Jenkins is of that mold. You're likely stuck with Whitehair for another season. So that means they just have to find 2 more of that mold in the draft.
I think they can do that.
Interesting note. The Bears did tender Lachavious Simmons, despite letting everyone else walk. Simmons was thrown in unprepared and did look like ass in his one real appearance. But when you look at his college tape, he had that aggression and he has the frame that Poles likes. They aren't married to the guy, but they might have kept him because they want a look at what he can do with some real coaching. A dark horse that could potentially surprise people.
As for the season - I just want to be entertained this year, win or lose, and see growth from Fields and the offense. Record doesn't matter to me this year, as it never does in a rebuilding year.
The Bears 2014 season, while a headache for most of it, ended up becoming super fulfilling because of the last 4 games, because the defense finally gelled, and you saw something special there.
I'm cool with waiting to see what happens. As long as Fields and the offense progress, everything else this year is gravy.
