If it wasn’t clear already that Matt Eberflus is nothing like his predecessor Matt Nagy, he put that to bed on Tuesday. After deliberating with the rest of his coaching staff, it’s been decided that quarterback Justin Fields and several other Chicago Bears starters will play in the preseason finale against the Cleveland Browns. Expectations are they will go for most of the first half, depending on how things shake out.
Roquan Smith will likely join the action as well. He missed most of training camp due to his contract dispute. Coaches have worked to get him ramped up over the past week. With little experience playing his new position as an outside linebacker, it makes sense to get him actual game reps. There is an obvious risk involved in this decision due to possible injuries. Eberflus thinks the simulated game experience will greatly benefit what’s coming in September.
#Bears HC Matt Eberflus wants players to pull their focus in for the preseason finale against the Browns, looking at this as a "mock" game week. Starters will play 25-30 plays in 1st half. Selected vets will be out before that. @WBBMNewsradio
— Jeff Joniak (@JeffJoniak) August 23, 2022
Justin Fields and the offense need work.
Eberflus knows this. Even the players know this. The new scheme installed by offensive coordinator Luke Getsy is complicated. It takes time to learn. Less than 30 preseason snaps for Fields isn’t enough to prepare him for what is coming next month. The San Francisco 49ers and Green Bay Packers have arguably the two best defenses in the NFC. Scoring on them is challenging even for more talented and experienced offenses.
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The Bears don’t have enough of either. Justin Fields showed good progress in Seattle last week, but it’s clear he has work to do. He still hasn’t learned to trust his footwork in the pocket and is tucking to run too quickly. The offensive line also still isn’t situated. They’re trying to nail down who the starting five will be. Right tackle Larry Borom and right guard Teven Jenkins could use this game against a really good Browns defensive line to win their respective spots.
There is also a chance for others not named Darnell Mooney and Cole Kmet to establish a stronger connection with Fields. That or it might convince GM Ryan Poles the offense needs more help. It will make the watching experience far more interesting for Bears fans if nothing else.
