The Chicago Bears can’t put any blame on Justin Fields for what happened in Atlanta. They were only in the game because of another herculean effort by the young quarterback. It was a performance that left him exhausted and beat up by the end after taking way too many hits, including four sacks. His big moment came halfway through the 4th quarter when he led a gritty 13-play drive that covered 75 yards. Fields converted four 3rd downs along the way, tying the score 24-24. The unfortunate part is his teammates once again failed to pick up the slack.
The defense allowed Atlanta to go on a long drive, draining over six minutes off the clock. They regained the lead on a field goal. Then things got worse when Luke Getsy capped his worse play-calling performance of the year with an ugly sequence on the Bears’ final drive. It included two designed runs by Fields despite the quarterback already being hurt. Then he called a play that led to a checkdown. Fields made the right read to David Montgomery on what would’ve been a 1st down. While the throw was a little high, it went right through Montgomery’s hands, leading to the game-ending interception.
Fields finished 14-of-21 for 153 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, and 85 yards rushing.
Justin Fields can’t do everything himself.
People are already getting on him about not being able to finish games. They conveniently ignore other facts. This game marked the fourth time since week five that the defense gave up a score to give the opponent the lead. Then it’s the inability of his offensive teammates to execute. Ihmir Smith-Marsette fumbling against Minnesota. Darnell Mooney and Dante Pettis failing to secure two throws that would’ve been game-winning touchdowns against Washington. Equanimeous St. Brown dropping an easy pass on 4th down against Miami. Now it’s Montgomery letting a catchable ball go through his hands.
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It’d be one thing if Justin Fields were crapping the bed each week. That’d make the criticism understandable. Not in this case. The only reason the Bears have been in any of these games is because of him. To place blame on his shoulders for these losses is beyond absurd. It’s okay to say he must keep improving with his two-minutes drills. The thing is, his coaching staff and teammates need way more work than he does. This kid deserves way better than he has gotten this season.
Did anyone from the Bears say that was indeed a pass to Monty? Or was it to Mooney and Monty thought it was to him? That was a horribly designed play having two players that close crossing at the same time. Or someone ran a route that was not correct.
This L is SOLEY on the play calling! All coaches failed the players (offense, defense and Special Teams) Alan Williams NEEDS TO GO!!! There’s a reason he is already a failed DC. Why is our “Defensive Specialist” HC not calling plays or at the very least involving himself more in the Defense? Also, WTH happened to H.I.T.S.? That attempted 56-yard (career long for Guyblow Santos BTW) field goal is totally inexcusable. ANY OTHER SUCESSFUL TEAM PUNTS THERE!!!!! I was honestly yelling at the tv screen. Seriously WHAT THE F?! I know the Refs have been a huge factor why we… Read more »
Play calls on the final drive were unforgivable. If I was JF1, I would have audibled out of them. Then again, in Getsy’s mind, perhaps not dropping JF1 back for a pass attempt behind the Scofield line was his way of protecting Fields. Put the ball in his hands and let him run out of bounds. Of course, JF1 gets hit hard on almost every play whether he is down or out of bounds. Sorry, but there is a different set of rules for Brady, Rodgers and others and Fields does not get the same protection from the sorry a$$… Read more »
@repnice . . . since you asked . . . I’d give Getsy a C+ for play calling for the game but a D+ for the final drive. Oline: C- for the game (Schofield was awful!). Defense: C-. Special Teams: this one’s hard – Jones return A; allowing a run back for a touchdown F. This just wasn’t a great game all around. I would have graded most positions higher in recent games.But I remind myself: first year head coach, first year O coordinator, first year GM, QB I only now consider him a 2nd year player as he missed… Read more »
Between Getsy’s horrible 2 minute drill play calling and the fact that we can’t pass block, the Bears are going to have it rough in the final 2 minutes of games all year.