Chicago Bears Earn Elite Grade from The Athletic for Drew Dalman Signing
The Chicago Bears have made a splash in the 2023 NFL free agency period, earning rave reviews for their strategic moves to bolster the team’s roster. One signing that has garnered significant attention is the acquisition of center Drew Dalman. A seasoned player with the Atlanta Falcons, Dalman brings valuable experience to the Bears’ offensive line and is widely considered an upgrade at a critical position. This move has even earned the Bears an elite grade from The Athletic, a respected sports media outlet known for its in-depth analysis of NFL transactions.
As the Bears continue to build a competitive team around quarterback Justin Fields, improving the offensive line has been a key focus. Dalman’s signing not only strengthens the interior of the offensive line but also demonstrates the Bears’ commitment to ensuring that Fields has the protection he needs to thrive. Here’s a closer look at why the signing of Drew Dalman has been hailed as a game-changing move for the Bears.
The Importance of Drew Dalman’s Role
The center position has long been a critical component of any successful offensive line. As the leader of the offensive front, the center is responsible for both snapping the ball to the quarterback and making key line calls to ensure the line blocks effectively. A strong, intelligent center can elevate the play of the entire offensive line by organizing protections, helping in run blocking, and anchoring the line against pressure from defensive tackles and blitzing linebackers.
For the Bears, the center position has been an area of concern in recent years. With inconsistent play at the position, it was clear that the team needed to find a reliable player who could hold down the middle of the line and provide stability. Dalman, who had spent the previous years with the Atlanta Falcons, was a natural fit for this role. Over the past few seasons, Dalman has developed into a solid starter and has proven himself capable of handling the demands of the position at the NFL level.
Dalman’s intelligence and physicality make him a key asset to the Bears’ offense. Known for his ability to read defenses and communicate well with his fellow linemen, Dalman will be instrumental in protecting Justin Fields and helping establish a more balanced offense in 2023. His presence should also help elevate the play of the Bears’ other offensive linemen, as they’ll have a trusted leader in the middle of the line.
Why The Athletic Gave the Bears an Elite Grade
When it comes to grading NFL free agent signings, The Athletic takes several factors into account, including the player’s past performance, fit within the system, age, and contract terms. In Drew Dalman’s case, the signing was seen as a win for the Bears across multiple categories.
- Proven Track Record: Dalman may not have the star power of some of the league’s elite centers, but his consistent play in Atlanta has shown that he can handle the demands of a starting role. As a former fourth-round pick, Dalman exceeded expectations by becoming a reliable starter for the Falcons. His solid play in both run blocking and pass protection has made him one of the more underappreciated players at his position. For the Bears, Dalman’s proven ability to stabilize the interior of the line was a significant draw.
- Age and Longevity: At just 26 years old, Dalman is entering the prime of his career. His relatively young age means that the Bears are getting a player who can grow with their offense, rather than bringing in a player on the decline. This makes the signing especially appealing for the long term, as Dalman is likely to remain a key piece of the Bears’ offensive line for many seasons to come.
- Fit in the System: Head coach Matt Eberflus and offensive coordinator Luke Getsy have emphasized the importance of building a balanced offense that can execute both the passing and running games effectively. Dalman’s versatility and his ability to function in both zone-blocking schemes and power-blocking sets make him an ideal fit for the Bears’ offensive system. His ability to get to the second level in the run game, combined with his quick decision-making in pass protection, will make him a valuable asset as the Bears continue to evolve their offense around Justin Fields’ skill set.
- Contract and Value: One of the key reasons that The Athletic gave the Bears an elite grade for the signing is the value they received with Dalman’s contract. The terms of the deal are team-friendly, and it provides the Bears with significant upside at a position where they desperately needed improvement. Given the current state of the market, acquiring a player of Dalman’s quality at a reasonable cost was seen as a shrewd move by the Bears’ front office.
- Leadership and Intelligence: Another reason the Bears received high marks for the signing is Dalman’s leadership on and off the field. As the quarterback of the offensive line, his communication skills and ability to read defenses are crucial. His experience with Atlanta, where he played under various offensive systems, has given him the ability to adapt to new schemes quickly. This adaptability will be key as the Bears continue to develop their offensive line and overall offensive identity.
Drew Dalman’s Potential Impact on the Bears
With the addition of Dalman, the Bears have taken a big step toward shoring up their offensive line and giving Justin Fields the protection he needs to succeed. But Dalman’s impact goes beyond just his individual play. Here are a few key areas where Dalman’s presence will likely make a difference:
- Better Protection for Justin Fields: The most immediate benefit of Dalman’s signing is the improvement in the protection for quarterback Justin Fields. Fields is a dynamic playmaker with a strong arm and exceptional athleticism, but he needs a solid offensive line to give him time to process the defense and make plays down the field. With Dalman in the middle, Fields will likely have more confidence in the pocket, allowing him to make better decisions and reduce the risk of sacks and pressures.
- Improved Run Game: The Bears’ offensive philosophy under Matt Eberflus and Luke Getsy is grounded in a strong running game, which is essential for controlling the clock and opening up play-action opportunities. Dalman’s ability to block in both zone and power running schemes will provide running backs like David Montgomery and Khalil Herbert with better opportunities to gain yards. His versatility in the run game will also help create space for Fields to use his legs in designed runs or scrambles.
- Mentorship for Young Offensive Linemen: With the Bears’ offensive line continuing to develop, Dalman’s experience and leadership will be crucial in mentoring the younger players. Rookie offensive linemen like Teven Jenkins and Larry Borom will benefit from Dalman’s guidance, learning from his approach to reading defenses, identifying blitzes, and adjusting protections. His presence could be vital in helping these players reach their potential and improving the overall cohesion of the offensive line.
- Stability at Center: The center position has been a revolving door for the Bears in recent years, with multiple players seeing time at the position. By securing a reliable starter in Dalman, the Bears are creating much-needed stability on the offensive line. Having a solid presence in the middle will allow the Bears to focus on building chemistry across the rest of the line, ultimately leading to better overall performance.
The Chicago Bears’ signing of Drew Dalman has been met with widespread praise, including an elite grade from The Athletic. With his proven track record, youthful energy, and high football IQ, Dalman is a key addition to the Bears’ offensive line. Not only does he provide much-needed stability at the center position, but he also fits well within the Bears’ offensive system, helping to protect Justin Fields and strengthen their run game.
By securing a player like Dalman, the Bears are not only improving their immediate prospects but also building a foundation for sustained success in the future. With a leader like Dalman in the fold, the Bears are well on their way to re-establishing their offensive identity and positioning themselves as contenders in the NFC North.