Chicago Bears: 5 Breakout candidates for the 2023 season

Chicago Bears top 5 breakout player candidates in 2023

Trevis Gipson — Defensive End

There were high hopes for Trevis Gipson entering the 2022 season. In 2021, he stepped up admirably in the absence of Khalil Mack. He recorded 39 tackles (7 for loss), 5 forced fumbles, and 7 sacks.

Things did not work out the same, though. He was the full-time starter but registered 31 tackles (4 for loss), 3 sacks, and zero forced fumbles.

It wasn’t the type of season that would impress the new coaching staff.

However, Gipson felt that he was very close to having a big season. He was just a split-second too slow or a half-step from making the play.

"Every single one of them. Miami Dolphins, I had an open one waiting for me on Tua (Tagavailoa). Buffalo Bills, Josh Allen, I missed two. Against Philadelphia, I missed one. Shoot, even against the Lions the second time we played, I missed one that was right there. Close but not close enough. It was humbling, man. Having the success I had my second season, I thought it was all on the way up. But that’s not how it went."

While he didn’t have the season he and others envisioned in 2021, he is appreciative of his struggles.

"It may sound crazy, but I am appreciative for how it went because it exposed some of the weaker spots in my game last year that I can dial in on now."

Gipson spent the offseason watching tape and looking to improve. He feels he is on the verge of a breakout season. The Chicago Bears also hope for that.