There’s a running joke on social media that former Chicago Bears starter Mitchell Trubisky should be the greatest quarterback of all time.
That’s because he brought Matt Nagy’s offense to the playoffs twice.
Unfortunately, those postseason stints didn’t last long.
Three years ago today, Mitchell Trubisky torched the Buccaneers for 6 TDs in a 48-10 win for the #Bears.
What I would give to relive this game again… pic.twitter.com/W89JT1Zr85
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) September 30, 2021
The Bears went 12-4 in Nagy’s first year in Chicago but lost the Wild Card Playoff to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Last season, Chicago won five of its last eight games to claim the final NFC playoff spot.
They played in the Nickelodeon playoff game against the New Orleans Saints but got slimed out of contention, 21-9.
In 2021, the Bears are already experiencing a roller-coaster season, even if the season is just four games old.
Andy Dalton‘s injury paved the way for rookie quarterback Justin Fields to start.
No, Matt Nagy does not deserve credit for naming Justin Fields the starter today. Instead, he deserves criticism for waiting so long. Let's face it: Andy Dalton's injury is why this all happened. Nagy was forced into this; he had no way out of it. The football gods intervened.
— Bryan Perez (@BryanPerezNFL) October 7, 2021
However, Nagy’s play-calling limited Fields’ skill set, and those restraints were evident in their Week 3 game against the Cleveland Browns.
The Bears offense remained static for practically the entire game, which stripped Fields of his ability to make plays with his feet.
As a result, he completed six passes for 68 yards, and the Bears gained one net yard after considering yards given through penalties.
Wors, the Browns got nine sacks, 4.5 of which were courtesy of Myles Garrett.
Miles Garrett sacks Justin Fields. #Browns #DaBears pic.twitter.com/QMQIKfqQSn
— Coast Trash (@Coast__Trash) September 26, 2021
Chicago had 42 total plays in that defeat and converted one third-down opportunity.
The offense was so terrible that backup quarterback Nick Foles was seen on camera saying to Dalton that the offense isn’t working.
But what a difference one week can make in the NFL.
The lethargic offense improved when Nagy delegated play-calling duties to offensive coordinator Bill Lazor.
So Bill Lazor knows how to use Justin Fields, huh? pic.twitter.com/OukQlghhWr
— Brendan Sugrue (@BrendanSugrue) October 3, 2021
Fields had more freedom in showcasing his talent while having a better command of their drives.
Letting him create plays helped the Bears defeat division rival Detroit Lions, 24-14.
Fields Of Victory
The rookie from Ohio State got his first win as an NFL starter by making 11 completions for 209 yards.
He threw an interception to Amani Oruwariye, but that did not affect the outcome.
Fields developed a partnership with wide receiver Darnell Mooney throughout this NFC North showdown.
They only connected on five passes but for 125 yards.
Darnell Mooney with a catch of the week contender 🖐
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/CAnPxAkfpC
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 3, 2021
Those plays allowed the Bears to sustain their drives while the run game brought the finishing touches.
Damien Williams had 55 rushing yards and a touchdown.
However, David Montgomery was the backfield star with 23 carries for 106 yards and two touchdowns.
The offense portrayed more dynamism with Lazor navigating the plays.
Bears don’t believe RB David Montgomery tore his ACL, but they are doing further testing today to determine the extent of the injury, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 4, 2021
Likewise, the Bears defense remained dependable with four sacks courtesy of Roquan Smith, Robert Quinn, Trevis Gipson, and Khalil Mack.
Fields’ stat line might not be overly impressive, but Lazor’s approach revealed the possibilities of their offense when they maximize their quarterback’s mobility.
It opened up more possibilities that can make their drives more dynamic and devastating for opponents.
That said, giving Fields a structure that works to his skill set may help Nagy keep his job as head coach.
Bears’ HC Matt Nagy announces that, going forward, Justin Fields is Chicago’s starting QB.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 6, 2021
He may not look like the offensive-minded genius he once was after handing over the shots to Lazor.
But he will still get some credit because he’s the captain of the ship.
Leave a Reply