The Chicago Bears’ game against the Cleveland Browns at First Energy Stadium was their most anticipated since the 2019 season opener against the Green Bay Packers. And just like that one, the Bears tanked in a historically woeful offensive performance, losing 26-6.
Thread: Some thoughts on the Bears' debacle in Cleveland…
1. Not a whole lot to say, other than that catastrophic failure on offense reminded me somewhat of the 2019 Rams game. Absolutely nothing went right. And considering the circumstances, an organizational embarrassment.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) September 27, 2021
Justin Fields’ starting debut was awful, as a poor offensive line, limited WR separation, lack of adjustment to the Browns defensively, and Fields playing terribly himself, led to an output of 47 net yards of offensive. Total. In 42 plays. A 1.1 yards per play average. These are not typos.
Naturally, fans and media are angry with Matt Nagy, saying the game plan made no sense, it didn’t cater to Fields’ strengths, etc. The usual.
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
What’s notable, though, is that it seems all of Nagy’s goodwill seems to be eroding inside Halas Hall as well…
Thread.
Yesterday, as negativity engulfed the Bears, I tried supremely hard to find a positive voice in support of Matt Nagy. Fans hate hearing this, but those DO exist inside the building.
Or maybe I should say DID.
Because yesterday I couldn’t find one.
(1/6)
— DaBearsBlog (@dabearsblog) September 28, 2021
That’s just not good.
In fact…
The most important game of Matt Nagy's coaching career is Sunday at Soldier Field.
(Pretty sad that an October home game against Detroit has such magnitude, but here we are.)
For Nagy's sake, he better do what's needed to win. Justin Fields won't be the one paying for this. https://t.co/TtjPpam3gn
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) September 28, 2021
It’s gotten to this point. Sad, but likely true. Let’s see how the Bears rebound, especially offensively, this Sunday at Soldier Field.
With that, let’s reach into this week’s Bears Mailbag. Follow me on Twitter @DhruvKoul to continue the conversation.
Bears Mailbag
Last year, the Bears changed several things schematically when they gave play-calling to Bill Lazor. I'd expect similar changes made if they go that route again.
People are overrating what Lazor brought to the table last year, but the offense did function well for a few games.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) September 29, 2021
I want to expand on this. Lazor’s first game calling plays was the Bears’ unacceptable home loss to the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field. It was the game the offensive line had no answers for Minnesota’s pass rush and Nick Foles got injured towards the end of the game. After a blissful bye week, the Bears made schematic changes (and a QB switch) before a beatdown at the hands of the Green Bay Packers. However, that was the first game where signs of improvement started to show (minus some awful Trubisky turnovers).
Then, in four straight games, the offense played four terrible defenses en route to putting up 30, 36, 33, 41 points (three wins, one loss). While the Bears did nothing particularly special, it did appear there was a lot less complexity in the offense and players were playing faster. That helps!
But of course, the offense then ran into two defenses who could easily defend what the Bears were doing (Green Bay and New Orleans) because of Trubisky’s limitations of not being able to read defenses within the pocket. Once they were able to get in his field of vision on the half-field cuts, it was over.
The Bears drafted Justin Fields because he is a better pocket passer than Trubisky ever was. However, he just isn’t ready for that *at this time*. That said, the Bears would do well to install a Trubisky game plan while he gets comfortable and then mix in more pocket concepts.
Let me be clear: If Fields doesn’t develop as an NFL pocket passer, he will be a wasted pick. Quarterbacks that can’t play from the pocket are bad investments. Trubisky was in Year 4, which is why they moved on finally. Fields is in his third game. He may need more time, but it *has* to get to a point eventually where he can win from the pocket.
If he doesn’t, it’ll be a failure for all involved.
I think the problem is the way the Bears teach their offense to their players.
I don't doubt Nagy's offense would be difficult to stop if everyone does their job, but no one seems to do it well enough. At the end of the day, you're at the mercy of your players' execution.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) September 29, 2021
I'll have more on this in my Lions-Bears pregame thread on Friday, but to an extent, I do. At least, I expect a win.
I have no idea how the offense will look. But Matt Nagy is in desperation mode. He cannot afford a loss on Sunday.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) September 29, 2021
I actually suggested that very thing in this article.
Daniels to C makes sense because it's his natural position. This way you keep Whitehair at LG and can insert Bars at RG. Least disruptive.https://t.co/FB7494xRUc
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) September 29, 2021
I thought the offense looked fine against the Rams, honestly. No it didn't score points, but it moved the ball better than any Rams game in four years and showed promise.
The Bears don't have a choice but to call something different for Fields at this stage in his career.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) September 29, 2021
Phillips won't be going anywhere. The McCaskeys don't think their structure is an issue, so there's no reason for Phillips to leave.
If the Bears get rid of Nagy, Pace is going, too.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) September 29, 2021
Absolutely. Desai is making the most out of the talent he has and has kept the Bears in two of three games (losing to the best team in the NFC). He is worth retention at all costs.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) September 29, 2021
Everyone thinks Bill Lazor or Mike Pettine make the most sense.
I'd go with either John DeFilippo or Sean Desai. It'd be a quick promotion for Desai for sure, but it'd be worth a shot.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) September 29, 2021
The Bears had worse issues in 2014 and Marc Trestman finished the year. They will get another chance vs. Detroit.
But if they lose to the Lions at home? Again? Then all bets are off.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) September 29, 2021
