If one word has come to describe Luke Getsy, it’s pragmatic. He stated from the moment he took over as Chicago Bears offensive coordinator that he would build a scheme that takes advantage of his player’s strengths. To his credit, he’s done that. The Bears have topped 24 points or more in their past six games. Yet the way they’ve gone about it has some fans and media grumbling. To win in the NFL, you must be able to throw the football. Chicago had their success boasting the #1 rushing attack in football (197 yards per game), while quarterback Justin Fields doesn’t even rank in the top 32 in passing yards per game (149).
It’s leading some to argue Getsy should try opening up the air attack. Fields can’t develop as a passer when he’s throwing 20 times per game. Patrick Mahomes had more pass attempts in college than Fields did in college and his first two NFL seasons combined. As a former wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator, one would think that Getsy would be anxious to throw the ball. When confronted about it during his latest presser, the 37-year-old made a rather eye-opening comment.
“We run the rock and we do a good job with the play-pass game and so it’s not like we’re just spreading ’em out. We’re not the Cincinnati Bengals just spreading out 2 by 2 and spitting it out, one-on-one routes. That’s not been who we are.“
That is a clear enough message. It is obvious Getsy doesn’t think the Bears have the personnel necessary to throw it more often. A rather big indictment of the offensive line, wide receivers, or both.
Luke Getsy isn’t ignorant of the Bears’ reality.
There just isn’t much he can do about it. They are light on star receivers. Darnell Mooney is good, and Chase Claypool has talent. Yet nobody in that group could be considered a top-ten player at the position. The offensive line is even worse. Right tackle and center are both significant areas of concern. Lucas Patrick is lost for the year to a toe injury. Sam Mustipher is a below-average replacement. Neither Larry Borom nor Riley Reiff has held up well on the edge. Braxton Jones and Teven Jenkins look like the only keepers when looking toward next season. When the Atlanta Falcons’ defensive line gives you problems, it’s an issue.
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Thus the Bears run the ball. It is what they can do. Luke Getsy isn’t going to try shoving a square block through a round hole as Matt Nagy did. He will do what his players are capable of. Fans may not like it, but it gets results. That is what matters at the end of the day. A time is coming when the Bears will look to throw the ball more. It isn’t right now. That is frustrating. Yet it’s the reality of a rebuilding team.
