Changes are coming for the Chicago Bears. Luke Getsy is out as offensive coordinator, along with most of his staff. Nobody is surprised. The unit wasn’t making the progress many had hoped for. While the rushing attack remained strong, the passing game around Justin Fields never quite got on track. Everybody not named D.J. Moore and Cole Kmet failed to make a meaningful impact. There were issues with discipline and an overall lack of creativity or identity. Head coach Matt Eberflus felt it was time for a change. The big question becomes what a new coordinator means for Fields.
Most believe this is a step toward starting over at quarterback, likely with somebody taken first overall in the upcoming draft. Former Bears scouting director Greg Gabriel is adamant that is not the case. He believes the team will stay committed to Fields in 2024, and he offered further details as to why on Windy City Gridiron.
Many people believe that Justin Fields is done in Chicago. I think that is far from being truthful. I feel his career is just starting, especially if the right offensive coordinator is hired.
I have listened to yesterday’s press conference twice now, and I realized that between Poles and Flus, Justin was given a vote of confidence at least four times. In the first few minutes of the presser, Ryan Poles stated, “I believe Justin has improved, and I feel he is capable of leading this team.” That, my friends, is a strong statement and a strong vote of confidence. If you don’t think so, then you just don’t understand coach-speak.
Poles indicated the parameters are the same as last year.
He likes the progress Fields has made, but all of his options will remain open going into the draft. He will evaluate every quarterback. If one of them blows him away, he likely grabs that guy. Here is where it gets interesting. Gabriel has studied the incoming QB class extensively. He also has connections around the league. Both led him to this statement.
In other words, for the Bears to select a quarterback with the top pick in the Draft, they would have to be blown away by not only the player’s talent but his football character. Knowing this draft the way I do, I feel it is a good bet that the number one pick will be traded just like it was a year ago. There is not a doubt in my mind, that Justin Fields will be the leader of the Chicago Bears in 2024.
Do I believe the Bears will select a quarterback in the Draft? Yes, but not with that top pick. It’s always wise to bring in competition as it makes everyone better, and this quarterback class is deep.
Justin Fields must wait to see how interviews go.
The Bears will attend multiple draft events over the next two months, including the Senior Bowl and scouting combine. They will also hold private visits. There is a strong likelihood they’ll have spoken with every top quarterback in the class by the end of February. If none of them make the right impression on Poles, he will conclude that forging ahead with Fields is the right call. He will start hearing offers for the #1 pick from teams eager to move up for one of the top guys. Poles indicated he will take things right up to the draft, meaning he thinks the price will only go up as the big day gets closer.
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Plenty of people believe this is the right course of action. Justin Fields was never the problem on offense. Getsy’s poor coaching was. Players in the locker room hinted at it. Former QBs like Chase Daniel and Chris Simms keep saying it. The wise course of action is to stockpile more ammunition and stack the roster around the 24-year-old. More weapons. Better protection. An elite defense he can lean on. Gabriel seems certain this will happen. We’ll see if he’s right.
