The Chicago Bears had high hopes for Justin Fields during his first NFL start.
The rookie from Ohio State got the nod when Andy Dalton suffered a bruise on his left knee in Week 3 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
In that game, Fields had six completions for 60 yards and an interception.
However, he got it easy because Joe Burrow threw three picks that helped the Bears win, 20-17.
That's a DUB. #CINvsCHI | #DaBears pic.twitter.com/fwajwtLhhJ
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) September 19, 2021
A week later, Fields had nightmares all game against the Cleveland Browns.
Myles Garrett had 4.5 of his team’s nine sacks versus the Bears relatively static five-person protection.
Dominating is an understatement to describe the Browns victory because Chicago did not score a touchdown.
Worse, Fields completed just six passes for 68 yards while the Bears had 47 net yards.
The team had one net passing yard and converted a single third-down opportunity to highlight the their futility.
.@danorlovsky7 and Rex Ryan absolutely unleashed on the Bears' head coach 😳
"The Chicago Bears should fire Matt Nagy today. Because yesterday's game plan, which was the worst one I've ever seen in my life, was either negligence or intentional!" pic.twitter.com/SnWhQjNYme
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) September 27, 2021
Their average gain per offensive play against Cleveland was a depressing 1.1 yards.
Adding insult to injury, Fields injured his hand, but a subsequent X-ray yielded a negative result on potential fractures.
Therefore, Fields needs to rest, and he will be ready to go in Week 4.
But that performance prompted head coach Matt Nagy to consider all their options at quarterback before naming a starter against the Detroit Lions.
Unfortunately, this statement does not identify the real concerns that the Bears showed against the Browns.
“This offense just isnt working.” – Nick Foles
It’s clear Matt Nagy has lost the lockerroom. #FireNagy
— Max Markham (@MaxMarkhamNFL) September 27, 2021
First, Chicago suddenly dropped their run game even though Cleveland did not have a huge margin until the early fourth quarter.
Giving David Montgomery more carries would have kept Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney on their toes on every play because they would have had to guess what’s coming.
Second, their offensive line, specifically 39-year-old Jason Peters, could not block the Browns’ blitzes.
Third, Nagy’s play-calling was unimaginative.
What Must The Bears Do?
Their division rival Lions will fight to the end.
They nearly forced overtime against the San Francisco 49ers during their season opener.
Detroit scored two touchdowns and a pair of two-point conversions to trim a 41-17 deficit to 41-33.
Likewise, the Baltimore Ravens needed a historic 66-yard field goal from Justin Tucker to defeat them in regulation, 19-17.
Therefore, the Bears must go with the quarterback that gives them the best chance to win, and that’s Fields.
#Bears QB Justin Fields highlights from Preseason Week 1 vs #Dolphins: pic.twitter.com/TxFDyernst
— Bryan Perez (@BryanPerezNFL) August 15, 2021
However, Nagy can’t expect to win using the same game plan.
He must develop a strategy that opens up their offense and caters to Fields’ strengths.
Using more shifts and play-action will help unlock his mobility and increases his chances of finding an open man downfield.
It is a dynamic that Dalton cannot offer, making it easier for Lions head coach Dan Campbell to draw up defensive schemes.
But with Fields, they must choose the perfect time to be aggressive because of his nimble feet.
Meanwhile, Nick Foles should be Fields’ backup for this game since Dalton is not 100 percent.
𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟕, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟎 | 🍆
Nick Foles leads the Bears to THREE 4th quarter TDs to stun the Falcons in ATL!
Foles replaced Mitch halfway through the 3rd pic.twitter.com/2QHf6HV4YJ
— This Day in Chicago Sports (@ChiSportsDay) September 27, 2021
It’s easy to forget that this quarterback is a fighter who led a team to a Super Bowl.
He may not be as versatile as Fields, but he can manage the game with precision.
Finally, Dalton comes in third in the depth chart due to his condition.
Yet even if he’s healthy, is he their primary choice at quarterback?
Two turnovers in the first quarter for Andy Dalton pic.twitter.com/C2bagCUuAz
— Barstool OSU (@BarstoolOSU) September 13, 2021
Chicago’s woes under center date back until after Jim McMahon left.
The problem persists today, but giving Fields a system to be comfortable with is the best way to move forward.
NEXT: Bears Now Have No Clear Starting QB For Week 4