On Sunday morning the Chicago Bears sent a very clear it’s you, not us, message to unhappy wide receiver Chase Claypool by benching him for their game in Week 4.
After so much hope and excitement surrounding the Chicago Bears and their potential heading into the season, the team has gotten off to a disastrous start so far in 2023. They enter their Week 4 clash against the Denver Broncos winless and haven’t shown many signs of progress after three games.
Related: NFL offense rankings 2023 – Who is the best unit heading into Week 4
One of the most disappointing parts of how they have started the 2023 season is the poor play of the offense as quarterback Justin Fields has seemingly regressed this year after a strong showing. After the team added DJ Moore in a blockbuster trade in the offseason and already had Chase Claypool following a deadline deal last season, the expectation was that the passing game would be far better than it has been this year.
Showing that internal frustration, Claypool let it be known this week during a media scrum that he wasn’t thrilled with how he’s been used this season.
Chicago Bears bench Chase Clayfool for Week 4 after criticizing coaching staff
“I think rehoning what I want to do really well in, and that’s just the things that I can control, like the effort on plays and finishing blocks,” Claypool said Friday. “Those are things I can control and things I’ve been making sure to just master these few weeks. Those are things I can control. The other stuff I can’t worry about. Just got to be at the right place at the right time, and hopefully that falls into place.”
Well, instead of trying to make adjustments and get the most out of the 25-year-old talent, the Chicago Bears instead sent the message that he is the problem and not their offense when NFL Media league insider Ian Rapoport reported on Sunday morning that the receiver will be inactive for today’s game against Denver despite not having any apparent injuries.
The move is just the latest moment in what has been a messy season for the Bears as Fields seemed to also publicly question the team’s coaching, and defensive coordinator Alan Williams resigned for inappropriate activity.
- Chase Claypool stats (Bears): 10 games, 18 catches, 191 yards, 1 touchdown, 10.6 yards per catch
Claypool’s play in 2023 has not made a strong case for him after only posting four catches, 51 yards, and a touchdown in the first three games this season. He also blamed coaches with his previous team the Steelers for his struggles last season.
Following the news of Claypool’s benching, NFL insider Jordan Schultz revealed that “The Bears are looking to trade WR Chase Claypool, asking for a 5th-or-6th round pick in return. GM Ryan Poles has been actively calling teams he believes are in the market for a receiver.”
It will be interesting to see which teams jump to make a deal for the often disgruntled but skilled wide receiver.