Matt Nagy wanted to sit Justin Fields this season. He said it was because he didn’t want to throw the rookie out there before he’s ready. Perhaps a better way to put it was before he’s ready…to play in this exact offense. One of the critiques of Fields coming out of Ohio State was his tendency to hold the ball and wait on throws. That doesn’t fly in Nagy’s preferred system. One based on around times and pocket navigation.
Watching last Sunday against the Browns, it was evident Fields wasn’t ready. However, it was also evident Nagy had no plan to adjust the system to fit his strengths. Several experts pointed out how the Bears ran the exact same scheme as if Andy Dalton, a 10-year vet, were still out there. So when Fields didn’t make the quick decisions necessary, he was usually sacked. While Fields got some criticism, most just felt bad for him.
So what now?
Nagy has the look of a man under intense pressure. He has to win on Sunday against the Detroit Lions. If he doesn’t, most believe his fate will largely be sealed as to whether he returns as head coach beyond 2021. His offense is dead last in the NFL. The team is 1-2 with a brutal slate of games looming on the horizon. This probably explains why he remains coy about his decision on which QB to start Sunday.
During his Friday press conference, he said it was going to be a game-time decision between Fields and Dalton. Former defensive back Ryan Clark has followed this entire situation since the beginning. He is a big believer in Fields and has now reached a conclusion. If Nagy is intent on playing “his” offense? Then keep the kid as far away from it as possible.
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Matt Nagy just doesn’t have answers for these problems
When it comes to designing plays? The head coach is actually quite good. He’s been able to scheme guys open a number of times. His problems lay elsewhere. Personnel usage, execution, clock management, and so on. Too often it looks like the players are thinking too much out there rather than just reacting. This is what leads to missed blocking assignments, ill-timed penalties, and running the wrong routes.
Matt Nagy doesn’t run a tight ship and that is why he can’t even crack the top 20 in the offensive rankings year after year after year. He has the look and sound of a man grasping at straws. He’s tried everything and the players aren’t responding. At some point, a man must admit he is the problem. Yet the head coach continues to believe his system can work. Now that belief threatens to cost him his job.
Bears fans have already checked out.
They’ve experienced this for over three years. Most of it was akin to watching paint dry. They want him gone and as far away from Fields as possible. GM Ryan Pace can go with him. Even a win over Detroit isn’t going to change their minds. The only way he somehow rescues this situation is if the offense adjusts, the rookie plays much better, and the Bears somehow go on a winning streak. Good luck with that.
