The Chicago Bears finally identified their next general manager and head coach. Ryan Poles and Matt Eberflus were introduced at Halas Hall on Monday, marking a new era in Bears lore.
We also heard from quarterback Justin Fields as well, which was a departure from the intro pressers of previous regimes. I found that interesting.
Catch up on our Club Dub podcast episode (Twitter: @clubdub_podcast) to dive into takeaways from that introductory press conference!
Fields is 'Ready to Lead' Bears under Eberflus and Poles https://t.co/SFIYNdus21
— Club Dub Podcast (@clubdub_podcast) February 2, 2022
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
With that, let’s reach into this week’s Bears Mailbag. Thanks to everyone who submitted questions. Follow me on Twitter @DhruvKoul to continue the conversation!
Bears Mailbag
What kind of offense do you expect to see, and are there any players that need to come/go to better fit that scheme (other than the QB)?
— Keeper of the Real (@BMADFTS) February 1, 2022
I’ve been pondering this for a couple days, and while I thought it was interesting that neither Poles nor Eberflus “committed” to Justin Fields in the presser, when the Bears had Fields speak as well, it more or less cemented commitment in their eyes.
So, we’ll roll with the assumption on Fields.
Luke Getsy’s influences are Joe Moorhead, a bit of Mike McCarthy, and a lot of Matt LaFleur (aka Shanahan principles). However, I expect Getsy to build an offense entirely around Fields, probably taking principles from all three where appropriate.
Let’s start with Fields: He is not a West Coast guy. Precision passing based on timing and quick field surveying is not his strength and it never has been. Maybe it will be some day, but his processor just isn’t there yet.
What does he do well? He can throw deep with the best of them, and can hit intermediate routes at an acceptable (?) rate. However, he takes his time on reads and decisions, so he needs an offensive line that can hold up. (Fields needs to speed this up drastically to sustain any level of success in the future.) He would be pretty effective in the rollout, half-field, high/low concept game, and that’s where I expect Getsy to start.
So now they have likely outside-zone running spurred by an improved OL (hopefully) and two very good RBs, and Fields to run PA/bootleg concepts from there (hopefully with lots of Y-cross, as he did well with those in college). Bread and butter #1.
I also expect more RPOs. While precision passing and quick decisions aren’t Fields’ strengths, he did have success generating offense in limited RPO attempts (which are very limited in terms of read requirements), even if some of it came on the ground. I’d expect a solid section of the playbook here.
And he can run. Damn, can he run. I don’t expect (or want) him to take off 20 times a game a la Lamar Jackson, because they are not the same type of runner, and Fields is still a pocket guy first. But some cleverly designed runs to keep defenses on their toes would be fun.
What additions do the Bears need on offense? Speed. A lot of speed. Darnell Mooney is fast, but he’s a solid WR-2. Guys who can separate and give Fields the throwing window he feels he needs. (There isn’t a second Tyreek Hill available, but if they can get a Deebo Samuel-lite? That would be sick.) Hopefully Tarik Cohen returns healthy. I’d re-sign Jakeem Grant for sure. And I’d look to add at least two more WRs with speed.
I’d love to see a vertical TE option as well. Cole Kmet improved in 2021 but he isn’t a special TE because he doesn’t have special traits. Someone who can command the MOF. They haven’t been able to attack the MOF in three years. It’s past time.
So, that about sums it up. Strengthen the OL substantially, add a TON of speed at WR, add a vertical TE threat, and pray that Fields can improve in full-field surveillance so that teams can’t zero in on guessing which side Fields will roll out or escape from.
How much of this is possible? We’ll find out.
Love this question.
If Fields isn't the guy, the Bears need excellent scheme and weaponry to compensate.
Shanahan and that OL/run game and WRs have propped Jimmy G for years.
The Bears need something similar in place for Fields.
If he *is* the guy, then it could be majestic.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) February 2, 2022
Great question. I expect significant turnover, based on what Poles reportedly thinks of the OL.
I'd imagine Mustipher and Daniels are likely out.
If they can't trade Whitehair, they may move him to C.
Borom is likely viewed as a backup for now.
Jenkins is probably a RT.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) February 2, 2022
I would agree, they will likely explore several routes here. Some names I'd certainly expect them to dangle:
Mack
Quinn
WhitehairPossible surprise names:
Jackson
Cohen— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) February 2, 2022
Sorry for the delay here, yes, I do think the Bears will consider keeping both if the value isn't there in a trade. Both guys transcend scheme (Quinn made his name in a 4-3), and I wouldn't be surprised to see both of them back. They fit the profile of what Poles wants.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) February 3, 2022
Usually takes some time to learn a new scheme/playbook (which is what I expect the Bears to install).
Question is can Fields improve himself in the offseason?
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) February 2, 2022
Pace has made it clear that he believes in the trenches first, so I would imagine the Bears prioritize OL.
However, he also mentioned speed, and nowhere better to grab that than at the WR position — something Chicago needs.
It'll come down to truly "BPA" at that time.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) February 3, 2022
Adams instantly improves the Bears' WR corps. No doubt.
The challenge is, he will cost a *lot* of money and the Bears have too many needs in general — as in, literal holes on the roster (not enough players signed).
It's unfortunate the Bears find themselves here.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) February 2, 2022
