Luke Getsy inherited a tough situation when he agreed to become the Chicago Bears offensive coordinator. He left a cushy job in Green Bay hoping to further his push to become a head coach soon. Turing around the Bears’ fortunes on offense would be a great way to do that. The problem is he wasn’t bringing the Packers’ quarterback or offensive weaponry with him. He would have to take over the development of Justin Fields while inheriting an offensive roster low on top-tier talent.
It hasn’t gone well. The quarterback has just 471 yards passing in four games with two touchdowns and four interceptions. He’s also been sacked 16 times, putting him on pace for 68 this season. People have started to wonder if Fields has the necessary chops to handle the speed and complexity of NFL defenses. Getsy was asked about his quarterback’s struggles on Wednesday. To the surprise of many, the coordinator didn’t share the same pessimism. He saw something different.
“I don’t think he’s had a rough month. He’s gotten better each week. He’s growing tremendously. We’re playing good football teams. It’s not easy to become the level of quarterback that he wants to become and I know that he can become. The important thing is that we stay focused, keep our eyes on that progress or process and we make sure we get better each week, and I believe that we’re in that phase.”
Luke Getsy is either in denial or playing a clever game.
It is hard to call what Fields has done over the past four weeks “getting better.” In fairness, his performance in New York was the most decisive and efficient he’s looked so far this season. That isn’t saying much, though. Several members of the Bears beat and local sports radio think Getsy has gone nuts. They question his knowledge of football if the young coach actually thinks Fields is improving. There is no tangible evidence to support that idea.
Then again, it’s fair to ask this question. What was Luke Getsy supposed to say? There was nothing to gain from agreeing with the bleak assessments made by the media. His job isn’t only to coach Fields. It’s to have his back when things are tough. The worst thing he could do in this situation is hint at a lack of faith in the young quarterback. Whether people agree with the actual words doesn’t matter. Getsy maintained a positive mindset, telling Fields that things would improve.
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
It’s all about having patience and continuing to work. All that matters is that the quarterback believes it.
I’ll say it again. JF was drafted early out of Ohio State. Carried a clipboard much of the preseason, while built the team around a pedestrian QB. Then he gets thrown into the fire. Playing for first an idiot head coach, then an obscure Offensive Co-cordinator in an offensive that baffled no one. Then s total regime change. New coaches all around. New offensive system. Teaching him new footwork. Adjustment to his throwing motions. Surrounding him with rookies and untested WR’s and offensive line men. He’s struggling! Duh!?! Leave him alone! Support him! Can’t believe how stupid Bear fans, Tom… Read more »
Try throwing on second down
As long as Getsy is held to the same standards as Justin Fields by the Bears management. The fans cannot tolerate four more years of this inept offensive scheming.
Fields is awesome. The bears have so many new moving parts to get in sync. I thought the preseason showed that happening fast but that hasn’t translated to the season. But once they gel they’re going to be good. And he’s going to be amazing.
Fields will vastly improve when Getsy becomes a better play caller, and allows Fields to move forward
He is not letting Fields develop