Rumors are circulating that head coach Matt Nagy might be handing play calling duties back to Bill Lazor for the upcoming game in Detroit. Nagy didn’t confirm this in his latest press conference, but his refusal to provide a straight answer was a significant change. This leads many to believe a change was indeed made. The coach just didn’t want to admit it publicly. Either due to gamesmanship or a bruised ego. Presuming this is true, that leads to the more important question.
Can Lazor be a bigger help to Justin Fields? Nobody is denying the rookie made mistakes in his first game against Cleveland. A number of the sacks he took were from him holding the ball too long when it should’ve come out fast. At the same time, the Bears didn’t do enough to help him. Not enough screens, moving pockets, and easier reads for a quarterback in his first start. Never mind a lack of doing what they tend to do well with outside zone runs from under center.
This is where Lazor comes in.
He has lots of experience calling plays with quarterbacks of Fields’ type. Big, athletic, and boasting a strong arm. His first taste came back in 2014 with the Miami Dolphins where he worked with Ryan Tannehill. That year would prove to be the QB’s best in Miami as he threw for over 4,000 yards with 27 touchdowns and just 12 interceptions. Lazor did this by working to Tannehill’s strengths. Lots of shotgun but often leaving tight ends in to chip on pass protection, giving the QB a little more time.
There is more work under center too. Lazor will sprinkle those in, mixing them up with both outside zone runs and play action calls to get receivers and tight ends open down the field. He also makes sure to dial up screens when the defense tends to show blitz a lot. More than anything, what stands out most is how Lazor never shows the same alignment too often. He mixes things up, attempting to keep the defense guessing.
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Bill Lazor isn’t perfect but he is at least an upgrade
Through the first nine games last season when Nagy was calling plays, the offense averaged 317 total yards and 19.7 points per game. When Lazor took over down the stretch, those numbers went to 348 total yards and 27.7 points per game. Noticeable improvement across the board. People will say he benefitted from an easy schedule but it was evident the offense just looked smoother, executed better, and regained some confidence.
That is what they need more than anything. Fields needs somebody who can get him into a rhythm. Don’t put so much on his plate right away. Especially when it’s clear he isn’t yet at a point where he can make quick decisions with the ball. Bill Lazor might not be the first choice for many, but he is undoubtedly a better option than Nagy. All the data supports this.
Will it be enough to save jobs?
That is hard to say. Given the schedule ahead, the offensive improvement would have to be substantial. This is more about finding better ways to protect Fields and hopefully give him a chance to develop properly. One thing is for sure. It literally can’t get any worse.
