Nobody would ever say the Chicago Bears are better off with Trevor Siemian over Justin Fields after watching the New York Jets game last Sunday. It was beyond obvious how much they missed their young quarterback and his physics-defying ability. Siemian did what he could, but it wasn’t nearly enough. That said, the performance wasn’t a total loss. Fields had an opportunity to see somebody else run this offense in a live situation. Siemian has extensive experience in the scheme going back to his days in Denver.
Fields admitted during his Wednesday press conference that he learned a few important things watching him operate. Most of the time was spent watching the defense’s operation and how they communicated. However, there was one moment that stood out the most.
Fields was pressed a few moments later on why that throw to Evans stood out so much. He explained how Siemian could navigate his progressions so quickly. It was educational to see a checkdown come on time and have it result in a 30-yard gain. For all the amazing things Fields has done, he’d be the first to admit he hasn’t been great about getting to his checkdowns on time. He still has a tendency to hold the ball too long, waiting for a bigger play to develop.
Justin Fields shows again he’s always trying to learn more.
People keep talking about his athleticism as the driving force for his success. In truth, it’s been his quick mastery of the offense and relentless film study that has made his improvements possible. The guy’s work ethic is world-class. He is the first one in the building every morning and almost always the last one to leave. It may sound cliche, but hard work almost never goes unrewarded. Keeping an open mind on different ways to play the quarterback position is vital for his growth.
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There were already signs that he was improving in his processing speed. He’s better about getting the ball out on time. His decision-making is crisper. There is still lots of ground to cover. That said, he plays the position a little more like a classic quarterback each week. If Siemian helped him along in that process, it’s only a good thing for the Bears. The next step will be giving him an offensive line capable of steadier pass protection. Once he trusts his blocking, the passing prowess should get even better.
@Bears_Down yea I’d rather him checkdown n pick up 5 yards than scramble for 5 yards n possibly take unnecessary hits
PeanutHead,
I thought the same thing, at first view (actual game, not the all-22 view).
But as Lester Wiltfong Jr. points out, rather expertly, this mess was on Trevor Siemian for not checking to a more appropriate blocking scheme (Borom was only doing what he was instructed to do).
Check out SackWatch — Lester has been at it for more than ten years; and he knows the game.
Too bad this “Thomas Genie” Packer fan has never seen Borom or Scofield play. OMG, I could at least stand in a guy’s way and make him go around me.
Erik, everything that you wrote in this article is correct, until you wrote this: “The next step will be giving him an offensive line capable of steadier pass protection. Once he trusts his blocking, the passing prowess should get even better.” The OL, the receivers and RBs are all talented enough for the Bears to win — if Justin Fields simply progresses and plays the way you outlined, earlier in your article. Winning football is as OC, Luke Getsy once described: “Eleven playing as one.” Justin Fields now realizes that he has been the one lagging behind. And, Bears fans… Read more »
I also thought Trevor did a good job of throwing to a spot where the receiver could compete for the ball. I expect Fields took note of that. Fields is not going to see a wide open receiver every play and sometimes he waits too long for that. Fields is going to be great – build around him.