Bears’ win over the Bengals was massive for Ryan Poles’ credibility

The Chicago Bears won a memorable shootout on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals by a score of 47-42, which featured 8 lead changes, with two coming with less than a minute left to go in the contest. Chicago’s offense won the day behind the play of quarterback Caleb Williams, rookie running back Kyle Monangai, and rookie tight end Colston Loveland, as all three played massive and critical roles in the victory. Although the Bears’ offensive players secured the victory, embattled general manager Ryan Poles deserves immense praise for the victory, as several of the assets he drafted are becoming game-altering talents.

Ryan Poles’ draft selections are starting to have impactful success validating the general manager

When the Bears hired Ryan Poles in January of 2022, one of the attractive aspects to his hire was the young executive’s ability to scout collegiate talent during his time with the Kansas City Chiefs. The belief for Chicago was that Poles would overhaul the team’s roster and build it back up through the NFL Draft. Unfortunately, despite landing the first overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft and then parlaying the selection into a massive trade with the Carolina Panthers, the Bears’ general manager has had a roller coaster ride when selection players via the draft.

Over the past four NFL Drafts, there has been a lot of criticism pointed towards Ryan Poles, as none of his selections drafted have been named to a Pro Bowl, while he has already seen several of his mid round selections released or cut during his tenure. Outside of utilizing the tenth overall selection in the 2023 NFL draft on offensive tackle Darnell Wright, Poles’ ability to scout and draft successful along offensive line and defensive line has been criticized significantly. Furthermore, there have been scouting and roster analysis concerns for the Bears’ general manager when it comes to identifying quality talent at the offensive skill position, especially given the success he had in Kansas City finding elite-level talents like Patrick Mahomes and Tyreek Hill.

On Sunday, several of Poles’ most significant recent draft selections played a vital role in the team’s victory over the Bengals, as several offensive and defensive players scouted by the general manager excelled. Second-year defensive end Austin Booker who Poles traded back into the 2024 NFL Draft to select in the fifth round, had a crucial sack and fumble recovery that eventually led to a Bears’ touchdown. Cornerback Nashon Wright, who was added during free agency as a depth piece by Chicago’s general manager this past offseason, recorded an interception to seal the victory while picking up his third interception of the season.

Although Poles’ defensive players made impactful games to help secure the win, it was his drafted offensive players that played a majority role. Since the 2025 NFL Draft earlier this year, Bears’ fans have immensely questioned whether Ryan Poles and Ben Johnson made the correct decision selecting tight end Colston Loveland over fellow tight end Tyler Warren with the tenth overall selection. Although Warren has been highly more productive, Loveland finally had a massive breakout game, catching six passes for 118 yards and two touchdowns, including the 58-yard game-winning touchdown with less than 30 seconds left.

Another aspect on offense where Ryan Poles was highly criticized this offseason was his inability to address a glaring need for talent at the running back position. Despite needing to upgrade the position, especially with the hiring of Ben Johnson who has had tremendous and proven success running the ball during his time as offensive coordinator in Detroit, the lone move made by Poles was the drafting of Monangai in the seventh round of this year’s draft. The rookie running back against the Bengals rushed for over 176 yards and nearly had 200 scrimmage yards.

Ryan Poles’ most important draft selection of his tenure has been the drafting quarterback Caleb Williams first overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, a quarterback who has been a lightning rod for debates regarding if the Bears took the right signal-caller. Following a disappointing loss and lackluster performance against the Baltimore Ravens the previous Sunday, Williams had arguably the best game of his short NFL career, throwing for 280 yards and three touchdowns while also rushing for 53 yards paired with two receptions for 22 yards and a touchdown. More importantly for Poles, his second-year quarterback led his team on a game-winning touchdown drive with less than a minute left which saved the franchise and the general manager from one of the most embarrassing losses in recent memory.

 Ryan Poles’ short and long-term roster decision will be influenced by his draftees’ success

Sunday’s win due to several players scouted, drafted, and signed by Ryan Poles helps the general manager going forward, especially with the NFL trade deadline on Tuesday. Before Sunday’s win against the Bengals, fans and analysts believed that the Bears would be highly active in trading for several positional needs, including defensive end and running back. Due to the success of Monangai and Booker, Poles could look to still trade to improve the positions, but more so look to add depth rather than impactful talent.

The ability for players drafted and scouted by Poles to make impactful plays helps the general manager plan for saving potential draft selection that could be move in a costlier trade. A prime example is Tuesday’s trade for edge rusher Joe Tryon-Shoyinka with the Browns, as the Bears added much needed defensive line depth while also adding a seventh-round selection. In prior years, due to struggles from players drafted by Ryan Poles, Chicago’s general manager could have easily wanted to trade a higher draft selection for a more elite-level player, costing the team much needed draft assets.

Ryan Poles’ building momentum with his drafted talent could also lead to a different way in which Chicago handles the upcoming offseason. Where running back and defensive line were likely to be the main focus once the season is over, the plans could change with presence of Monangai and Booker if they continue to be productive. Poles could now look to utilize assets to help improve Chicago’s defensive secondary as there have been significant injuries at the cornerback position and questions regarding the long-term stability at the safety position. The general manager could use a high-round selection on either improving the defensive secondary or the offensive line if the running back and defensive end position is solidified before the end of the 2025 season.

Although there is valid criticism as Ryan Poles’ tenure as the Bears’ general manager since 2022, there have been recent moments that provide credibility that the roster is on the right track. Chicago has won several close score games this season, as several of Poles’ most significant draft selections or depth signings have been the difference-makers in those victories. Sunday’s win over the Bengals might have been the most promising positives confirmations that the team’s general manager has the roster trending the correct direction.

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