LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — When veteran pass rusher DeMarcus Walker signed a three-year deal with the Bears in March, he was confident in the team's future and put aside the past.
Walker believes the Bears can change the course of their future in 2023 after going an NFL-worst 3-14 last season.
“I forgot about that crap,” Walker said. “Man, honestly, the first few weeks you see what we’re working with, what’s the cause of that. But this is the 2023 Chicago Bears. We’ve got a whole new identity, a whole new defense, a whole new offense, a whole new group of guys that’s going out there willing to fight and lead.
“Honestly, f--- that s---. You know what I’m saying? Like, last year’s done.”
The 28-year-old Walker is one of several respected veterans who joined the Bears this offseason with the hope of helping lift the team back into contention and toward the goal of establishing lasting success. After their rough 2022 season, the Bears set out to improve by first trading the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft to the Panthers in exchange for dynamic receiver DJ Moore and a haul of selections. As general manager Ryan Poles has focused on building through the draft, he has also complemented that youth with a few key veterans in an effort to build a winning culture.
“Just the type of guys we have in the locker room, real leaders, guys who really care about football,” Bears safety Eddie Jackson said. “Like (Walker). D-Walk is high energy. He’s going to call you out. Just to have a guy like that, first year, don’t care about the faces, come in and he loves football. He’s ready to call guys out, hold guys accountable. I feel like no one has the 'poor mes' or pointing fingers. We’re all going out there ready to work.”
For the Bears’ offense, growth will start with 24-year-old quarterback Justin Fields, who's entering his third NFL season and bearing the weight of expectations for the franchise. While Fields must work to become more consistent in the passing game, the Bears see a player who's emotionally equipped for what’s to come.
“He carries himself probably like a 10-year vet right now,” Bears guard Teven Jenkins said. “Just seeing how he commands that huddle and what he wants to see out of all of us, it's like a wake-up call for me to see that I need to start pushing myself to get on his level because he's demanding that sort of effort out of all of us.”
Bears coach Matt Eberflus is a firm believer in the importance of culture. His HITS principle is an example of how he has tried to foster that vision within his team, but ultimately, the best cultures are spearheaded by leaders in the locker room.
The Bears are confident in their collective mindset heading into 2023, one driven by their returning players who went through a tough 2022 and helped by several key newcomers.
“They want to win,” Bears tight end Robert Tonyan Jr. said. “They know that’s not the standard, that that’s not what you come to the NFL for. You don’t just come to coast and get three wins. That’s how people get fired. That’s how players get out of jobs. Obviously, the new guys coming in, we’re here for a reason.
“With that change and with those guys being brought in, the young guys feel that, the guys who have been here feel that and want to get on that page and want to win. Winning is awesome. Going to the playoffs is different. Winning the division is a great feeling. Hopefully, I want to bring that feeling here.
“We’re just trending in the right direction.”
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
Listen live to 670 The Score via:
Audacy App | Online Stream | Smart Speaker