Since being acquired in the middle of last season, Chase Claypool has yet to produce for the Bears. Only gathering 140 receiving yards and zero touchdowns in seven games. Claypool’s lack of production is why many Bears fans consider the acquisition disappointing. After hearing fan chatter, Claypool plans on using his disappointing 2022 season to fuel his resurgence in 2023.
Entering the final year of his rookie contract Claypool has a lot to prove. Understanding this, Claypool told reporters, “This is the biggest year of my life, and I understand that – and if anyone thinks my work ethic isn’t matching that, they are deeply mistaken.” Claypool’s understanding of what is at stake helps push him to stand out. If Claypool stands out and shows his talent, that will help show his importance to the Bears and other NFL teams.
Additionally, Claypool talked about his motivation and work ethic, “My motivation and work ethic build upon themselves.” A highly motivated Claypool means he works harder. The harder Claypool works, the more it challenges his teammates to be better. This benefits the Bears because it can lead to more victories.
One of the reasons Claypool was unproductive last season is that he was unfamiliar with the Bears’ playbook. Learning a playbook on the fly in the middle of a season is difficult. Especially so for Claypool, who is versatile and can be used all over the field. That means he needs to know all possible routes he can run on a play. Claypool should be more equipped this season, putting significant time and effort into learning the playbook this offseason.
According to Claypool, he studied the playbook during the offseason by using cue cards. To elaborate on this, Claypool told reporters, “On the front of the card, it would say the name of the play, and on the back, it would have the actual drawing of it.” His studying method caught the eye of his teammate D.J. Moore who chucked at him.
While Claypool’s method of studying the playbook may seem unorthodox to some, but if it works for him, that is great. At the end of the day, all Claypool, Bears fans, and staff want is for him to succeed this season.
Fans may not realize how important it is for athletes to have good relationships with their teammates. A good relationship with teammates helps create brotherhood. Since Claypool joined the team in the middle of last season, it took him time to create good relationships. Thankfully, Claypool has been able to create strong bonds. Claypool revealed this to reporters by telling them,”I can honestly call my teammates brothers.”.
Being able to call his teammates brothers helps Claypool keep his spirits high. Claypool elaborated on this by saying, “Being able to call your teammates brothers helps me not beat myself up over missed plays.” Miscues and missed plays happen all the time, so it is essential to have teammates that do not blame each other.
Having good relationships can also help dictate how players act. Claypool said he and his teammates are more laid back off the field. The more laid-back nature allows for the team to relax together. However, Claypool also said, “Everyone can flip the switch from being laid back to serious”.
Hopefully, these factors will help Claypool have a successful 2023 season. Since he seems like the type of player, the Bears regmine wants to have around.
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