Plenty of people have opinions on the preseason. Many see it as entirely unnecessary and a great way to get valued starters injured. Others see it as a critical part of preparing a team for the long season to come. This debate continues as the Chicago Bears enter their preseason finale against the Cleveland Browns. It is a game made far more interesting by the announcement by head coach Matt Eberflus that starters will play 25-30 snaps, or most of the first half. That includes quarterback Justin Fields.
The idea is clear. Eberflus knows Fields is learning a new offense. The only way to master a scheme is by playing actual game snaps in it. An extra 30 can be invaluable to building the quarterback’s confidence, even at the risk of injuries. There is also a hidden motivation behind this decision. One thing to remember is that the coaches aren’t just looking at the next game. This staff has already begun preparations for September 11th on opening day.
They’re looking at the San Francisco 49ers.
That team is fresh off an NFC championship game appearance. One of the primary reasons for that success was their great defensive line headlined Pro Bowler Nick Bosa and defensive tackle Arik Armstead. The Bears’ offensive line will have to deal with that group for 60 minutes next month, which likely means Fields must be prepared to be under pressure a lot. That is another reason to play against Cleveland.
Their defensive line is on par with San Francisco, led by Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney. Fields should know. That group sacked him nine times last year during his first-ever start. An opportunity presents itself here. If the Bears QB can weather the storm and put together a couple of nice drives in Cleveland, it should be a significant confidence boost for what’s coming.
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Justin Fields still has problems to iron out.
One of the most annoying is the ongoing tendency to abandon the pocket too early. He did it against both Kansas City and Seattle. He’d feel some pressure off the edge, but rather than step up into the pocket, he’d tuck the ball and run. That is a habit the Bears are trying to break since it opens him up to more hits. The Browns are a great test since they have plenty of speed. Fields’ scrambling did nothing for him last year. He has to play the position the right way.
He’ll need help from his blocking. That is another reason Eberflus is playing the starters. He wants to see whether the current five of Braxton Jones, Cody Whitehair, Sam Mustipher, Teven Jenkins, and Larry Borom can be trusted. If any of them get railroaded in Cleveland, it will give the coaching staff lots to think about two weeks before the regular season. Justin Fields can only hope they don’t get overwhelmed like last time.
Scheming should also help.
Offensive coordinator Luke Getsy has demonstrated a keen understanding of how to put his players in advantageous positions. He mixes the run and pass well and gets Fields outside the pocket with bootlegs and rollouts. It isn’t about lighting up the scoreboard. It is about executing at a high level against a formidable opponent. Fields is still learning how to do that.
I highly doubt Garret and Clowney will play. If they do, MAYBE one series? These guyys know what they’re doing. There’s no reason to risk injury.
Lets hope Bears dont have a repeat performance and get Justin killed