Matt Eberflus needed a plan when he took over the Chicago Bears regarding Justin Fields. Developing a young quarterback is difficult, especially on a rebuilding roster. Now with four games in the books, it has become clear what the new head coach is aiming for. He has opted for the Marty Schottenheimer style. For those who don’t know, Schottenheimer is the late former coach of the Browns, Chiefs, and Chargers from 1984 through 2006. He won 200 games during that time and reached three conference championships.
He also had a reputation for developing young quarterbacks, notably Bernie Kosar and Drew Brees. His methods weren’t exactly cutting edge. They were relatively simple. Until the situation warranted otherwise, the offense would run the football. Kosar was a perfect example. During his rookie year in 1985, he averaged just 23.2 passing attempts per game as a starter. He only cracked 200 yards in three of those ten games. Cleveland ran the ball 533 times that season.
It wasn’t until the following year when Cleveland drafted future Pro Bowl wide receiver Webster Slaughter that they started feeling more comfortable letting Kosar throw it.
This is the reality Matt Eberflus is in.
He had to make a realistic assessment of where the Bears were at offensively. They don’t have the blockers, receivers, or tight ends to employ a capable passing attack. Fields also isn’t in a place where he can make quick reads from the pocket. Too often, he’s chosen to pass up checkdowns or throwing the ball away in favor of scrambling. This has led to 16 sacks in four games. That is despite the Bears being 3rd in the NFL in rushing attempts.
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People assume Matt Eberflus is being conservative by choice. It’s more the same reality Schottenheimer faced during his early days in Cleveland and San Diego. The quarterbacks were young, inexperienced, and the supporting casts weren’t good enough. Until that changes, he must lean into what the offense can do. That is to run the ball. It isn’t pretty and can lead to some ugly football games. Yet it gives the Bears their best chance to win.
GM Ryan Poles will go about changing that in 2023 when he has more resources to work with. Until then, get used to some Marty Ball in Chicago.
People clamoring for fields to be given more time to develop when Deshaun watson had how many weapons n what offensive line in houston his first 3 years n look at his stats
More nonsense comparing Nagyflus to Marty S. Eberflus wasn’t hired to coach and develop Fields. Getsy is already failing in that role.
I’ve follow Sportsmockery since Jan. I’ve followed the Bears since 1983 when I was a young kid. Remember when the Russell Wilson trade rumors were out there in 2021? With the same supporting cast that Justin has, do you all believe Russell could’ve survived? When the C position and/or LG is addressed then JF1 will show what he can do. Before everyone is so quick to jump ship off the young man, truly see what he does when he has more weapons. He deserves the time and a chance with better players.
To Erik and the other folks at Sports Mockery – I just wanted to say I enjoy your website. I like little bits of info/opinion that you share. Keep up the good work!
Bears=awful. Cubs-awful. Blackhawks=awful. Sox=awful. Bulls=ehhh. WTF!