Matt Eberflus came in with a plan. He’d been preparing for his opportunity to become a head coach for years. He learned from guys like Nick Saban and Gary Pinkel that a good coach must know what he wants to do at every position on his football team. Eberflus might be a defensive guy, but he’s not stupid. He understands success in the NFL goes through the quarterback position. That is why when the Chicago Bears expressed interest in him; he wanted to make sure he knew what he was getting into.
According to Jeff Howe of The Athletic, the Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator made some phone calls. He’d already done his personal evaluation of Justin Fields the year prior when the Colts considered QBs in the draft. He liked what he saw. Still, he was able to admit his expertise on the position was limited. So he reached out to people he trusted. Their responses helped fortify in confidence that Chicago was the right job to take.
So as Eberflus was preparing to take over as Bears head coach during the offseason, he called his quarterback-proficient coaching friends around the NFL to get their perspective on Justin Fields. Eberflus, who spent his first 13 seasons in the league as a defensive coach, wanted to see if his pre-draft assessment of Fields had been in line with those in his trusted network.
“Everybody said they loved the man — hard worker, very smart, got a really strong arm, throws a great deep ball — and all of those things are true,” Eberflus told The Athletic. “What they said of their evaluation, it’s still true to this day.”
Matt Eberflus is thrilled with what he’s seen thus far.
Every report out of Halas Hall confirms it. Fields’ work ethic is second to none. He has improved his footwork and other fundamentals. The ball is coming out faster, and he’s gaining mastery of the new offense. Wednesday’s practice might’ve been his overall best of training camp. His processing speed heightened, and he made several accurate throws down the field. He looked less like an athlete playing quarterback and more like a quarterback who’s a good athlete. That transition is so pivotal to his career taking off.
The best part is Matt Eberflus has a plan. He knew what he wanted to do for Fields when he took over. It involved bringing in an offensive system he had a healthy respect for in the wide-zone. Great coaches like Mike Shanahan, Kyle Shanahan, Gary Kubiak, and Sean McVay have found terrific success with it. The system is tailor-made for athletic quarterbacks that can get outside the pocket. Steve Young, John Elway, and Aaron Rodgers all agree.
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Fields is finally pointed in the right direction.
Now it becomes a matter of building the blocks. Establish the system, let the quarterback learn, and begin stockpiling the roster around him with more talent. It looks like the Bears took some hopeful steps in that direction too. Braxton Jones might be a legitimate long-term option at left tackle. Velus Jones brings a ton of juice at wide receiver. If they develop, the Bears are in a great position to fortify the offense next off-season.
Eberflus also demonstrates a clear understanding of his job. Yes, he comes from a defensive background. Yet a head coach’s responsibility is to oversee all phases of the team. That is why he sits in quarterback meetings constantly, offering advice whenever possible. His relationship with Fields is what will chart the course for this franchise. When the head coach and quarterback are in sync, good things happen.
Eberflus is a defensive guy so asking for the thoughts of respected others makes sense. But, getting all the info he can on his future QB shows forethought and diligence no matter which side of the ball he’s on.
Makes me think that Eberflus lacked confidnece in himself to watch highlights of Fields, read about Field’s high intelligence, and recognize on his own that Nagy was in over his head.
I disagree with the way the Roquan Smith mess has been handled. Reminds me of the Ted Phillips/George McCaskey deals of the past. For example, over the past four seasons who played better, and more consistent for the Bears, Roquan Smith of Kihlil Mack? One for mega-millions and one for chump change.
The upcoming pre-season may be a perfect situation (hear me out) for Fields.
Anyone would probably think just the opposite. “He’s got nothing to work with. All his WRs are hurt. Nothing but Mooney and scrubs to throw to!” It’s all true. Except, IF! He makes some good/great throws to the scrubs (caught or dropped) he will show that he has “the right stuff”. If he had all star receivers, we would think, “Great catch by so-and-so, ” instead of credit where due. Just a thought!
Erik. Thx for the updates. I think you did an article about the OL and their ‘wide zone’ abilities…. but that was b4 the 2 vets were added. Can you give us another update on them..and how they appear to be doing in practice.
it’s all well and fine to know about fields dev’ but Poles said they want to be a RUN 1st!! team. (I’ve heard this b4 but didn’t follow thru on it).
if this O-line isn’t GREAT at zone blocking… the offense is gonna struggle, right? So can be please get an honest evaluation article about this?