The Bears are riding high after their convincing 28-13 victory over the Detroit Lions this past Sunday at Soldier Field. Chicago's defense held Detroit's offense scoreless in the second half of their game, while the Bears' offense had four second-half scoring drives, which included a Justin Fields passing and rushing touchdown. The Bears' will now head to Cleveland to face the Browns this Sunday in what could serve as a redemption and prove-it game for Fields and offensive coordinator Luke Getsy.
Justin Fields Can Demonstrate Growth With An Excellent Performance In The Place Where He Started His First Career NFL Game
Since returning from his thumb injury against the Lions in Week 11, Fields has played well as he has led the Bears to back-to-back wins, but more importantly hasn't thrown an intercepted in three starts. Additionally, Chicago's third-year quarterback has played more consistently as a passer, as he is averaging 203 passing yards per game since returning from injury. Fields is also avoiding sacks, as he has only been sacked eight times since coming back compared to being sacked 20 times in his first six games of the year.
Despite his stable level of play and being a significant contributing factor in Chicago's last two wins, Fields has yet to have a signature win in which he is the main reason for a Bears' win as a dominant performance as a passer led to a blowout victory. Through three seasons, that type of victory has eluded the young quarterback, as his team has yet to win a game in which he played at an elite level. Fields' best game of his career so far, as a passer, came in Week 4 this year against the Denver Broncos, where he passed for over 300 yards and had four passing touchdowns, but the team still lost.
https://x.com/NFLonCBS/status/1734233683211497744?s=20
A dominant performance against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday would be a massive lift in showing the progression and growth of Fields as a quarterback since he entered the league in 2021 when he made his first NFL start in Cleveland. The then-rookie was starting for injured quarterback Andy Dalton, who had injured his leg the week prior at home against the Cincinnati Bengals.
It would be a memorable first start for all the wrong reasons, as Fields was sacked nine times and only passed for 68 yards in a 23-6 loss. Then head coach Matt Nagy was criticized heavily on a national level for his poor gameplan and an inability to adjust to the relentless pressure brought on by Cleveland's defensive line and their blitzing scheme. Although Nagy didn't help with his offensive game plan for the contest, Fields was slow in getting the ball out and diagnosing what the defense was trying to do.
https://x.com/PFF_Steve/status/1442508822694744065?s=20
What many thought was a fluke instance has become a weakness of Fields as he has consistently struggled holding onto the ball way too long and not getting the ball out quickly enough to avoid sacks. There have been numerous games where the Bears' quarterback has turned in poor performances because he was waiting too long in the pocket when trying to find an open receiver and took sacks he didn't need to. Although Fields hasn't had a game where he was sacked, as many times as he was against the Browns in 2021, he has had several performances where he didn't throw for more than 100 yards.
On Sunday, if Fields can avoid taking sacking by getting the ball out quickly and finding the open target in the defense, he can demonstrate growth against a Browns team with most of their defensive players still in place since 2021. Fans and media would be extremely impressed if Chicago's third-year quarterback passed for over 250 yards and multiple touchdown passes to pass-catchers other than wide receiver DJ Moore.
https://x.com/Bears__Nation/status/1563690435649978368?s=20
Luke Getsy Can Demonstrate That He Is A Better Play--Caller Than His Predecessor
Fields isn't the only person who can benefit from a strong performance on Sunday against a Cleveland Defense that is one the best in the NFL, as Getsy needs a flawless offensive game plan. Chicago's offensive coordinator has been criticized heavily throughout the 2023 season as many fans and analysts believe he has not played to the strengths of his starting quarterback. Additionally, many believe that the play-caller has been too reliant on wide receiver screen passes and overtly complicated play designs for fourth-down plays.
Getsy's offense will be going up a Browns' defense led by defensive coordinator Jim Swartz, who is viewed as one of the best defensive play-callers in the NFL over the past decade. Swartz has overseen top-ten defensive units for numerous teams that have made the playoffs. If Getsy can devise a game plan to counteract Cleveland's defense, especially their pass-rush capabilities, as they have 38 sacks through 13 games, he can quiet some of his harshest critics who have called for his replacement.
Chicago's quarterback and coordinator are due for a high-quality offensive game, especially with the defense's recent turnover success. Despite the Bears' defense forcing nine interceptions over their last three games, Fields and the offense has failed to consistently score points immediately after a defensive takeaway. With Joe Flacco under center for the Browns on Sunday, there is a likely chance Chicago's defense will force multiple sacks and multiple interceptions, which makes it imperative for the offensive unit to capitalize with scoring points.
https://x.com/BrendanSugrue/status/1734595513985442242?s=20
The Bears' offense needs a statement game, as a game similar to the win over the Vikings a few weeks ago would result in questions remaining for both Fields and Getsy's long-term status despite a third straight win. Chicago's quarterback can't have a repeat performance of his first NFL start in Cleveland as the optics wouldn't be friendly to the perception of his growth as a quarterback, as the coordinator would receive blame for his quarterback's poor play. With a win and strong performance, Fields and Getsy can put themselves in good standing with the Bears' fans and media, given what transpired in Cleveland in 2021.
Loading comments...