Chicago Bears: Stop the ‘Fire Ryan Pace’ talk already

With a 13-32 record, many blame Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Pace almost as much as head coach John Fox. Looking into the roster, however, Pace is doing a good job.

We’re all happy that the Chicago Bears won on Sunday. They finally put it all together and performed like a real NFL team. Still, it’s been another miserable season. The Bears are in last place and have a high draft pick (currently at No. 7).

With the Bears struggling at 13-32 over the past three seasons, of course head coach John Fox is on the chopping block. Everyone involved seems resigned to the fact that Fox and his staff are gone at the end of the season (though many want him out now). A growing number of voices now direct their ire towards general manager Ryan Pace. Isn’t he as responsible, seeing that he gave Fox this group of players?

Well, the answer to that is no. Pace is rebuilding the team the right way. He isn’t putting his eggs in free agency. He’s using the draft as well. Going that route, the rebuild takes time. Drafting small school kids adds to that time. Also, the fact that Fox doesn’t like handling young players and prefers an old-school kind of team adds to that rebuild time.

Some like to look at Pace’s misses and criticize his scouting ability. Every general manager misses. Look at the great Bill Belichick and you’ll see plenty of players he missed on. Yes, Pace signed free agents as well. His main thought, however, is the draft.

Let’s take a look at Pace’s draft choices and what they’re doing.