Chase Claypool upset by Bears' losses, unsure he's in best spot - ESPN

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Wide receiver Chase Claypool expressed frustration over the Chicago Bears' 0-3 start and said he is focused on the areas of his game he can control.

«I think rehoning what I want to do really well in, and that's just the things that I can control, like the effort on plays and finishing blocks,» Claypool said Friday. «Those are things I can control and things I've been making sure to just master these few weeks. Those are things I can control. The other stuff I can't worry about. Just got to be at the right place at the right time, and hopefully that falls into place.»

Asked whether he feels he has been put in the best position to showcase his skill set, Claypool paused for seven seconds before uttering, «No.»

«Sometimes the things around you either elevate you or you have to adapt to allow you to elevate with them,» Claypool said. «So I've just been adapting to the new system and my new role in the system and trying to make the most out of it.»

Claypool's comments come weeks after he drew criticism — and subsequently apologized to the coaching staff and teammates — for a lack of effort in the opener against the Green Bay Packers. His lack of execution and effort with run blocking and the screen game had been addressed by Bears coaches and players throughout the week following the loss to Green Bay.

The Bears are averaging 15.7 points per game in their three losses to Green Bay, Tampa Bay and Kansas City. Claypool has been targeted 14 times and come away with four catches for 51 yards and a touchdown.

The 25-year-old wide receiver is in the final season of his rookie contract. In 10 games with Chicago after being traded from Pittsburgh in November 2022, Claypool has struggled to establish a high-volume