Justin Fields Looked Great
Justin Fields may be the most polarizing quarterback in the league. If you aren’t a Chicago Bears fan, you may look at his stat lines and think he can’t throw or make the correct decisions, but last Sunday, he illustrated more than promise; He indicated a play style that’s dominant and repeatable.
Fields looked decisive and stayed calm in the pocket, even with Sam Mustipher and Larry Borom on the offensive line. Mustipher has repeatedly indicated why he’s a liability to the offense and a threat to Field’s health. It seems as if Fields has no faith in the center, leading him to evacuate the pocket earlier than later. As soon as Lucas Patrick can snap the ball, Mustipher should be benched if not cut.
Even with an offensive line deficiency, Fields boasted a QBR of 118.8, completing 15-out-of-21 of his passes for 208 yards and a touchdown. That said, his completion percentage should’ve been better if not for a few drops, and he should’ve had a 50-yard rushing touchdown if not for a questionable block in the back. Fields is the quarterback of the future, and it is time to build around him.
cant sleep knowing justin fields was robbed of this pic.twitter.com/5F9EuXiXlQ
— ryan (@bearsbeserious) October 10, 2022
The Bears Need Weapons
I’ve fallen victim to thinking Fields’ weapons are adequate for the season. After some reflection, the Bears need help. Darnell Mooney is not a number-one receiver, and the wideouts don’t provide much support; hence, the Bears should trade for DJ Moore of the Carolina Panthers.
Moore is a versatile, proven wide receiver one on an incompetent team. A team that just fired their head coach. Moore is under contract till 2025 and will make $18.5 million a year. If the Bears can acquire Moore for a fifth/sixth-round pick, it’s a no-brainer.
Today DJ Moore was asked his thoughts on Rhule saying the wide receivers can help Baker Mayfield out by getting open more. Here was his reply: pic.twitter.com/oBBV0E4tu2
— Carolina Blitz (@KeepBlitzin) September 29, 2022
On top of that, the Bears need N’Keal Harry to return ASAP. He may not have the best track record, but the Bears need a big-bodied wide receiver on the Field. He was a first-round pick for a reason, and hopefully, a change in scenery can salvage his career.
On the other hand, Dante Pettis needs to be benched/cut/or sent down to the practice squad. Over the past two weeks, he’s had multiple crucial drops on third down, halting the offense’s progression. Velus Jones Jr. should take his minutes, and the explosive weapon will make Fields very happy.
.@VelusJr turns the corner for the TD ⚡️
📺: #CHIvsMIN on FOX pic.twitter.com/8Cb5ZOBWXY
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) October 9, 2022
Have Faith In The Bears Coaching Staff
Coach Matt Eberflus’ HITS principle is a strong foundation for the future. Both sides of the ball are leaning into the concept, which shows in the stat line. The Bears are a second-half team thanks to this coaching staff’s keen sense of adjustment and players’ willingness to learn.
The Bears average 7.8 points (ranked 26th) in the first half and 9.8 points (19th) in the second half. Not a massive leap, but it indicates Offensive Coordinator Luke Getsy’s competence in second-half adjustment. On the other side of the ball, the Bears allow 16 points (30th) in the first half and 5.2 points (fifth) in the second half.
This is a young team and coaching staff. Mistakes will be made. That said, chemistry is being built, and both sides are learning from one another. As the season progresses, I expect the Bears to foster an identity, something they haven’t had in quite some time.
