Title: Justin Fields Struggles Raise Concerns for the Chicago Bears’ Offense
Subtitle: The Bears’ quarterback faces challenges as the blame falls on multiple shoulders
The highly anticipated season for quarterback Justin Fields has taken a dark turn after the opening two weeks of the 2023 NFL season. With high MVP expectations and a promising future, Fields’ performance has left fans and analysts concerned about his ability to lead the Chicago Bears.
Fields’ statistics are less than impressive, completing only 40 of 66 passes for 427 yards, two touchdowns, three interceptions, and a passer rating of 70.7. Alarmingly, his passer rating is worse than his rookie season under former head coach Matt Nagy.
While Fields certainly deserves a portion of the blame, it is important to acknowledge that the issues plaguing the young quarterback are not entirely his fault. Offensive coordinator Luke Getsy has been criticized for his lackluster performance and failure to play to Fields’ strengths.
One of the major issues has been the lack of designed quarterback runs that were successful during last season’s offensive explosion. The Bears have only attempted four designed runs for Fields in the first two games, failing to utilize his athleticism effectively. This limitation not only hampers the offense’s potential but also prevents Fields from finding his rhythm.
Furthermore, Getsy’s lack of creativity and insistence on running the same concepts repeatedly has hindered Fields’ development. In a critical moment during the Week 2 game against the Bucs, Getsy called the same play that had resulted in an offensive pass interference penalty earlier. This predictable approach allowed the Buccaneers’ defense to read the play easily and intercept Fields’ pass.
In addition to the shortcomings of Fields and Getsy, the Bears’ offense has been marred by numerous mistakes, including receivers running the wrong routes, poor spacing, and breakdowns in pass protection. This combination of factors has made Fields’ job as a developing quarterback incredibly difficult.
The lack of consistency in the passing game has also affected the Bears’ overall performance. The team currently ranks last in the league with a Completion Percentage Above Expectation of -11.1. It is clear that adjustments need to be made to improve the offense’s efficiency and support Fields’ development.
Head coach Matt Eberflus highlighted the need for consistency in Fields’ performance and urged him to seize opportunities to make plays down the field. Wide receiver Darnell Mooney also emphasized the importance of allowing the playmakers to be accountable and trusting them to make plays.
While Fields has shown inconsistency and areas for improvement, it is evident that the blame extends beyond him. The Bears’ offensive struggles stem from a combination of ineffective coaching, costly mistakes, and a lack of trust in Fields’ abilities.
The question now remains whether the Bears and Fields can turn things around. A more compatible offensive scheme that caters to Fields’ strengths, improved play from all 11 players on the field, and growth in Fields’ decision-making and footwork could potentially lead to a positive change.
It is crucial for all parties involved to take responsibility and work toward finding a solution. If Fields fails to thrive in Chicago, it won’t be due to a lack of talent or work ethic, but rather the result of a suboptimal situation and outcome. The Bears and Fields still have time to rectify their current struggles and create a brighter future for the team.
However, if they fail to address these issues, the Bears will be caught in the all-too-familiar cycle of quarterback failure that has plagued the franchise for the past three decades.