5 Chicago Bears players made a big leap in 2022
With a final record of 3-14, the Chicago Bears had the lowest NFL record overall, losing their final 10 games. Yet, there is hope for this team's future as it enters a crucial offseason in 2023.
The reason for this is that Chicago has over $110 million in salary cap space, the first overall pick in the NFL Draft, and Justin Fields as their starting quarterback. The Bears' last victory came on Monday Night Football in Week 7 of 2022, when they stunned the Patriots with a 33-14 victory.
Nonetheless, even in a poor season, certain players, especially several rookies, really stood up. Here are five players who raised their level of play.
#5. Teven Jenkins, Offensive Tackle
It's hard to imagine that last summer, Jenkins' future in Chicago was in doubt. Yet for Jenkins and this offensive line, switching to right guard ended up being the ideal decision. Jenkins, who was learning a new position, was the team's top offensive lineman. He excelled as a run blocker and was one of the better lines in pass protection.
Although the Bears are anticipated to overhaul the offensive line this offseason, it appears that Jenkins will start in 2023.
#4. Jack Sanborn, Linebacker
Throughout the preseason, Sanborn swiftly rose to the top of the fan favorites list after a few standout performances that demonstrated why he was a highly sought-after undrafted rookie. Sanborn was given the chance to start at middle linebacker after Roquan Smith was dealt to the Ravens, and he acquitted himself admirably.
He made 48 solo tackles in six starts, which was on pace to lead the league (if he started all 17 games). Sanborn shown during his brief tenure his exceptional instincts and tackling, making him the front-runner to start at linebacker in 2023.
#3. Eddie Jackson, Safety
No one gained more from Matt Eberflus' arrival than Jackson, who experienced a comeback year in 2022. Jackson led the Bears with four interceptions and two forced turnovers despite missing the final five games of the season.
He had gone the previous two seasons without recording an interception. This is good news for the Bears going forward because Jackson looked like his younger, playmaking self from his first few seasons.
#2 Cole Kmet, Tight End
Kmet, who demonstrated his potential in Luke Getsy's attack and established himself as Fields' most dependable weapon, is finally having the season we've all been waiting for.
Cole Kmet led the team in receptions (50), yards (544) and touchdowns while thriving in the punishing passing game for Chicago (7). You have to think the Bears will attempt to sign Kmet to an extension after hearing GM Ryan Poles praise him for his outstanding season.
#1. Justin Fields, Quarterback
This season would have been extremely difficult without Fields. And given that the Bears only managed three victories, that's really saying something. Fields led the NFL's most effective rushing assault as he carried the offense on his back.
Just 64 yards separated Fields from breaking Lamar Jackson's single-season rushing mark with his 1,143 yards of rushing. Fields' playmaking skills and elite speed placed Chicago in a winning position, which was even more remarkable given the lackluster receivers and offensive line he had to contend with.
