The Chicago Bears will face the Giants on Sunday in East Rutherford in a matchup featuring two 2-1 teams. Quarterback Justin Fields has dominated discussions regarding the Bears this week as there are growing concerns about his development and potential as an NFL starting quarterback. Although head coach Matt Eberflus and offensive coordinator Luke Getsy have confidence in Fields, Chicago’s coaching staff could be forced to make a tough decision if the team continues to win and their quarterback’s play does not improve.
The Bears’ Coaching Staff Needs To Be Ready To Make A Quarterback Change If Struggles Continue
Although the Bears were projected to be one of the worst teams in the NFL heading into the 2022 season due to the franchise embarking on a rebuild, the team has won two of their first three games this year and has favorable matchups coming up. Chicago’s offense currently has the second-best rushing attack in the league as they have had a running back rush for over 125 yards in their previous two games. Additionally, Chicago’s defense has recorded a sack and turnover in the team’s first three games this season.
The mix of a potent rushing offense and a defense capable of making impact plays gives the Bears a chance to be competitive, despite waiting for Fields’ play to improve. The second-year quarterback has thrown four interceptions and only one touchdown to start the season while only 297 passing yards through three games. Unfortunately, Fields has only completed 23 of 45 pass attempts and has appeared more unsure with every passing attempt.
Justin Fields has 297 passing yards in 3 games. QBs have exceeded that in ONE game 19 times this season.
4 QBs have done it multiple times.
Geno Smith has done it.
This is historical futility passing from the Bears.
— Sam Monson (@PFF_Sam) September 29, 2022
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Chicago’s next five opponents are dealing with significant injuries on offense or feature a defense that has struggled immensely to limit opponents from scoring. From now until the end of October, the Bears have a chance of winning their next five games due to the issues plaguing their opponents, even with the struggles Fields is currently having. If Chicago can win their next few games without their quarterback playing better, Eberflus may be forced to decide if the Bears need to make a change at the quarterback position if they have a chance to make the playoffs.
Eberflus and Getsy may have to make the difficult decision of benching Fields in favor of backup quarterback Trevor Siemian to ensure the Bears’ quarterback position doesn’t cost the team a potential win. With the success that Chicago’s rushing offense is currently having, it should make throwing the ball, especially off of play-action, easier for the second-year quarterback, but if it doesn’t, it could lead to the Bears’ entire offense struggling.
The Chicago #Bears have 246 yards rushing in this game alone and we’re not even halfway through the 3rd quarter.
The offense definitely has some legs! Their ground game is a lot of fun, they mix play selection really well. Once they get a passing game, it could even improve
— Robert Schmitz (@robertkschmitz) September 25, 2022
Switching Fields for Siemian could help ensure that Chicago’s offense better protects the ball and avoids costly interceptions while also creating a spark on offense where one or two more touchdowns are scored because of an effective passing attack. The Bears’ second-string quarterback was productive during the team’s three preseason games in August as he threw three touchdown passes. During the preseason, Siemian demonstrated an understanding of Getsy’s offense and has executed the offense in a manner a backup quarterback should.
Although it may not be in the Bears’ long-term interests to sit Fields if the team is in playoff contention, it is something that must be down if it gives Chicago a better chance at winning. Additionally, a benching could benefit the second-year quarterback as it would enable him to sit and better earn Getsy’s offense and see where he is making his mistakes. Siemian won’t be asked to win the game but can serve as a game-manager if the Bears’ formula of running the ball on offense and the defense generating impact plays leads to wins.
Trevor Siemian connects with Dazz Newsome for another Bears touchdown!
Bears are now within 1 point.pic.twitter.com/g91T2yXw0l
— BearsNationCP (@CpBears) August 13, 2022
Bears Have Made A Change A Quarterback Before Due To Playoff Implications
If the Bears continue to win and need to change quarterbacks during the season, it would not be the first time it will have happened in franchise history. In 1994, former head coach Dave Wannstedt benched high-priced free agent quarterback Erik Kramer in favor of backup Steve Walsh. Despite lacking a strong arm, Walsh was a more accurate passer than Kramer and was better with ball security. The quarterback switch made by Wannstedt helped lead the Bears to a nine-win season and a first-round playoff victory over the Minnesota Vikings.
In 2005, Lovie Smith made the controversial but correct decision to bench rookie quarterback Kyle Orton in favor of Rex Grossman during the team’s Week 15 game. Although Orton had helped the Bears to ten wins, he struggled as a game-manager, whereas Grossman was the more talented of the two and gave the offense a boost. In the veteran’s lone start of 2005, Chicago defeated the Green Bay Packers on Christmas Day, 24-17, as the team won the NFC North Division title and wrapped up the second seed in the NFC Playoffs.
Two years later, Grossman was the one being benched by Smith as the quarterback threw one touchdown and six interceptions in the Bears’ first three games of the 2007 season. With Chicago vying for a Super Bowl, their head coach inserted veteran backup Brian Griese as the team’s starting quarterback. Grossman would become the starting quarterback six weeks later when Griese went down with a shoulder injury and played well, throwing three touchdowns and one interception over four games.
Benching a starting quarterback, especially one with potential talent, is never easy for an NFL head coach to do. If Chicago continues to play well without Fields improving, Eberflus will be tasked with this decision if there are legitimate playoff possibilities. Although it would reflect poorly on the second-year quarterback, the Bears may have to make a switch as a playoff appearance is more valuable to a new head coach than the development of his quarterback.
In what world? Only reason I’m watching the bears is because of fields… honestly let him rip it 30 times a game.
Look at Trevor Lawrence – was shit last year but threw it a lot. Experience is always great. Fields needs to throw
Why, oh why do our Chicago fans act like a team can’t win and develop talent? I see no issue with benching Fields, if he learns from watching. Winning is good for experience also.. Let’s think here folks
This season is all about Fields, and whether or not he can become a good QB. He needs to play all year to find out (if not hurt). Even if the Bears would make the playoffs with Siemian, they are not going anywhere this year.
I disagree with this article. There are dozens of coaches who could generate a competent pass offense with Fields just as Nagy did last season with little training provided for Fields.
Some may disagree but Fields is more important to the Bears future than is Luke Getsy, and probably Matt Eberflus. If this “nonsense” story had any validity it would mean Poles and Eberflus are changing their priorities for the Bear. Therefore, I do not believe a word of it.
Grossman… Sexy Rexy?