Players at Halas Hall started packing large cardboard boxes with workout gear on Monday morning, marking the beginning of an uncertain offseason for the Chicago Bears.

Reflecting on the 7-10 season that concluded with a 17-9 loss to the Green Bay Packers, several players acknowledged the ups and downs, emphasizing the team’s competitiveness in the final two months after a challenging start.

Wide receiver DJ Moore highlighted that a few games with different outcomes could have altered the team’s playoff prospects. Edge rusher Montez Sweat emphasized the foundation being laid, showcasing the potential of both the defense and offense when performing at their best.

The timeline for crucial decisions remains uncertain as Coach Matt Eberflus, along with General Manager Ryan Poles, conducted exit interviews with players on Monday.

The leadership, including Chairman George McCaskey, President/CEO Kevin Warren, and Poles, may be in the process of making decisions, evaluating the team’s trajectory for 2024. Despite the improvement of four wins over the previous season, the Bears are urged to assess their direction and resources for fortifying the roster.

Former Bears GM Jerry Angelo’s perspective emphasizes the difficulty of self-evaluation within an organization. Eberflus can point to significant defensive improvements, finishing 12th in total defense, and his steady leadership during challenging times.

However, a decision on Eberflus is likely intertwined with the team’s offensive performance, particularly in the face of possible changes, including the addition of a rookie quarterback.

While player support for quarterback Justin Fields is evident, the article suggests it is essential for ownership and management to determine the potential consequences of another season with stagnant offensive performance. If Eberflus is retained, the possibility of replacing offensive coordinator Luke Getsy is raised.

The article underscores the importance of timing in case of a head coaching search and suggests that the Bears need to act swiftly to secure their first or second choice if replacing Eberflus.

Ultimately, the success of a quarterback decision is seen as a key factor in the team’s path to contention. The article concludes by highlighting the necessity for the Bears to make challenging decisions about the team’s composition and direction.