Sam Mustipher Found Great Way To Console Fields After Browns Game

Justin Fields was always going to face challenges adjusting to the NFL. Yet nobody expected him to get off to such an unfortunate and scary start. Getting sacked nine times in his first starting appearance as a professional by the Cleveland Browns? It was hard to watch. A lot of people feared for his safety. They also wondered if his confidence would be able to survive such a battering. It didn't take long for the kid to find out he has some great teammates to pick up his spirits. Among them Sam Mustipher. The Chicago Bears center didn't mince words about what happened in Week 3. It was a disaster and the offensive line was largely to blame for it. They had no answer for Myles Garrett and that pass rush. Mustipher knew he had to pick up Fields' spirits, so he decided to use a little humor after the game. Mixed in with a firm promise that such things would never come to pass again.

It was no doubt hard to watch for everybody.

Kudos to Mustipher for being able to keep the mood light. It seems to have had the desired effect. Fields had his best performance of the season this past week against the Detroit Lions. One that included four pass plays over 20 years. The most explosive display a Bears quarterback has delivered in at least three years. There were no signs his confidence was shaken. Better still, Mustipher held up his end of the bargain. Detroit didn't get much pressure on Fields most of the afternoon. It was a much better day of protection by the Bears offensive line. It also seems like the team found an identity. One built around running the football and getting the rookie under center. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27LuL_TnPaI&ab_channel=ChicagoBears

Sam Mustipher still has many questions to answer himself

There is no doubt the former undrafted free agent was a big help to the Bears last year. His steadiness, intelligence, and leadership played a key role in the offensive line rebounding down the stretch to help make the playoffs. However, some people still had reservations about his long-term appeal. They feared his lack of overall talent was going to tell sooner or later. Four games into 2021, those fears have seemed justified. Thus far he's been credited with allowing five pressures and a sack on the quarterback. That number seems a bit low when watching the tape. Yet that doesn't hold a candle to the run blocking. Put simply, Sam Mustipher has struggled in the running game. Too often his limited size and lacking strength have shown up against bigger defensive linemen.

He needs to play better.

Otherwise, the Bears will have a difficult decision to make next offseason. Mustipher will be an exclusive rights free agent. That might be a moment where the team looks to see if they can upgrade at center. Something that must take priority as Fields continues his quest to become a legitimate franchise quarterback. Mustipher has 13 more games to change that narrative. Hopefully, he manages to do so.