Insider Says Justin Fields Is Seizing More "Ownership" Of Bears Offense

One of the most important relationships in the NFL is between a quarterback and his offensive play caller. That is why head coach Matt Eberflus knew he had to find the right offensive coordinator. Luke Getsy became his choice, somebody with a strong background when it comes to communicating with quarterbacks. He and Justin Fields had a productive first year together, showcased by their ability to adjust the scheme midseason to help the Bears quarterback excel. However, both knew that things would have to evolve going into 2023.

Leaning on his legs like last year is not how Fields will reach his full potential. One way to do this is something a lot of quarterbacks never do. He'd have to claim more autonomy in the Bears' offense. While that doesn't mean making calls in the huddle, it does mean more audibles into different plays and adjustments to protection or wide receiver routes. Fields didn't do much of that last season for obvious reasons. His knowledge of the system was limited.

According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, that has changed in a big way.

Justin Fields is clearing a final hurdle for top quarterbacks.

Anybody with a good knowledge of history will note that the best quarterbacks often had nearly full control of their offense. Terry Bradshaw, Ken Stabler, and Boomer Esiason called their own plays. Peyton Manning changed plays at the line of scrimmage all the time. Aaron Rodgers did much the same. Some coaches won't allow things like that these days. They want full control of everything. That works when you have guys like Andy Reid or Sean Payton, but not so much for others. It's why giving the quarterback more freedom is often a logical course of action.

They see more things on the field than coaches can from the sideline. Justin Fields has already offered hints at how far he's come as a passer since last season. One of his best throws of camp this past week came from his ability to diagnose what safety Eddie Jackson would do in coverage. According to Fowler, that is just one of several examples from the past two months. It's clear Fields' comfort in the offense is growing. Getsy is showing his lack of ego by giving his quarterback more freedom. One can't help but feel optimistic about what's to come.