People weren’t sure what to expect from Justin Fields when the Chicago Bears stepped onto the field against the Browns in Cleveland. All anybody could remember was the massacre last year: nine sacks, one net passing yard, and six points. Even with multiple Browns starters not playing, some were skeptical of how the quarterback would perform. After a shaky opening series, Fields put those concerns to bed.
Over the next three drives, the Bears quarterback went 14-of-15 for 156 yards and three touchdowns. He completed a pass to 10 different receivers, and two of those scores were to his tight ends. It felt like he was in total control of the offense for the first time, and everything clicked. Preseason or not, it was easily the most encouraging performance since his primetime magic in Pittsburgh last year. What made this one better was how much more functional the offensive scheme around him looked.
Yet what brings it all together is something nobody has mentioned.
He hasn’t turned the ball over once the entire preseason. Fields threw ten interceptions and committed 12 fumbles across 12 games last season. He was too careless with the ball. Many were concerned that this might become a bad habit. Across three preseason games, he didn’t have a single interception or fumble despite being under pressure repeatedly. It makes one think he’s become far more conscious about protecting the ball.
That isn’t a surprise. Head coach Matt Eberflus runs his team by the H.I.T.S principle. The T in that acronym stands for turnovers. That means the defense is focused on taking it away, while the offense is focused on not giving it away. Coaches have emphasized it throughout training camp. It appears players got the message, including Fields. That is another reason why it is encouraging to think he might be a lot better this year.
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Justin Fields is pointed in the right direction.
Yes, the Bears’ offense lacks talent. That has been made abundantly clear by national experts for months. Even so, the depth chart isn’t as bad as they want everybody to think. Darnell Mooney is a good player. David Montgomery is a good player. Cole Kmet looks poised for a breakout year. If the offensive line can at least not be a complete train wreck, Fields should put up some solid numbers given the Bears’ somewhat easy schedule.
What is most exciting is the scheme itself. Eberflus wanted a variation of the Shanahan offense, that wide-zone system that has helped teams like the Rams, 49ers, and Packers find continued success over the past few years. It is a very quarterback-friendly scheme, particularly if the guy is mobile like Justin Fields. His performance against Cleveland was a perfect illustration as Getsy got him outside the pocket several times.
Each time Fields made a positive play out of it.
It’s something fans clamored for since last season, but Matt Nagy refused to take advantage of. At least Getsy doesn’t suffer from a lack of common sense. He said his priority was molding the scheme to Fields’ strengths. He’s proven a man of his word, and we’re seeing the results unfold.
Has the streak of Seasons ended for the Bears not being Appointment viewing? Let’s hope so!
Looks like Getsy gets it. The offensive line still wasn’t great but man the O overall looked good. Lets carry this into San Fran!!!!