So, I do have to disagree with the premise here (without actually listening to the podcast yet). But I don't think the Bears are necessarily better anywhere, other than DB. It requires projection to say 2022 is better than 2021 at most spots.
QB- Yeah, Fields SHOULD be better. Getting a full camp as the starter, but he is learning a new offense again and the Siemien < Dalton and Foles.
RB- Same group at the top. Damien Williams wasn't any good, but at least he was passable at times. Don't know if any of the depth guys can actually play (I really don't like the RB they drafted and the guy from the Titans isn't good either)
WR- I know Allen Robinson didn't do anything last year, but I think the wrong way to look at it is comparing the 2022 group to 2021 Robinson. Robinson is a really good WR. Pringle and Jones may outproduce him by a bunch, but they are not in the same stratosphere talent-wise. Byrd and Goodwin weren't good, but again, there's no guarantee VJJ will be. So again, projection
TE- This actually should be a better group.
OL- I know everyone argued when I said lost a HOF and a 2nd round talent, but they were the best 2 OL on the team. Jenkins being healthy could be huge. Upgrade at C is nice, but RG is a huge ? still as is LT. Again, only with projection can you make this group better.
Edge- Lost Mack- worse, no matter if you added a guy that knows the D and the fact that Mack missed most of 2021. Simply not as good of a group.
DT- Unlike Robinson, I think you can judge this group based on 2021 Hicks. Where ARob had a down, out of sorts year, Hicks was basically continuing to fall apart. Love Hicks, but even if he was back, not a huge impact guy anymore because can't stay healthy. This group isn't as good, but it's not as far off as many think. Justin Jones is solid and has upside.
LB- next to Roquan was a mess. But still might be a mess this year, with a guy who missed all of 2021. The depth is completely shot too. I think this position is actually downgraded a little, especially since now you need a 3rd guy here on about 15-20% of the snaps.
CB- upgrade simply based on numbers, still needs some projection with a rookie and previously injured Tavon Young and mostly untested Graham Jr here. But I feel safe in saying Gordon and co. should be better than 900 snaps of Vildor and whatever the hell Xavier Crawford was doing out there.
S- this is probably an upgrade too. Jackson and DHC return, Jackson could continue his slip into mediocrity, not safe to assume new scheme will rejuvenate him. Brisker clearly has way more potential than Gipson, but projection again. Cruikshank replaces Deon Bush.