Matt Eberflus will never throw a player under the bus if they’re not playing well. He’s a coach. His job is to encourage, motivate, and help a guy try to find solutions. However, the Chicago Bears head coach also understands it’s his job to know when something is an asset or a liability. When it comes to Justin Fields, the answer seems to go both ways. His running ability and deep accuracy are unquestioned benefits for the offense. Conversely, his indecisiveness and slow processing speed also create persistent issues.
That is why it is essential to pay attention to subtle comments when they’re made. It isn’t difficult to read between the lines when the right words are said. Eberflus was asked back in April what he was looking for from Fields as the young QB prepared for his all-important second season as a starter. The head coach didn’t have to think hard about it. He had an answer ready right away.
“I think it’s about footwork and then the timing, the footwork and timing. There should be a clock on every single drop that he takes. There’s the drop, the number of steps and then there’s a hitch and a second hitch. And the ball has to be out of his hands on the first or second one. Based on the coverage and based on the call.”
Again, that was said in April. During his Tuesday press conference, a reporter asked Eberflus what he’d like to see Fields improve on after having a chance to assess the team during extended time off. While the coach tried to keep a positive spin, his answer remained unchanged.
Matt Eberflus isn’t seeing enough progress.
That doesn’t mean he’s ready to abandon Fields. He continues to call this a process. That said, it is hard to ignore how he remains zeroed in on the same issue. Eberflus sees the problem like everybody else. For all his athletic brilliance, Fields still doesn’t navigate pocket with good footwork or timing. It is a big reason he takes more hits and sacks than any quarterback in the NFL. Just look at Eberflus’ comments about those concerns. Unlike many fans and media, he didn’t put all the blame on the offensive line.
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“We’re improving there, but pass protection is everybody. It’s not only the offensive line, it’s the tight ends, it’s the running backs, it’s the quarterback.
“It’s everybody. Pass protection is always going to be all 11 of them, and we will improve on that.”
This is more proof that Matt Eberflus isn’t coddling Fields. He promised to hold every single player on the roster to a high standard. That includes the quarterback. While he’ll continue to work with Fields on improving, it’s important to remember every coach has a breaking point. A point where the excuses have to stop. Eberflus isn’t there yet, but it sure sounds like his patience is steadily draining.
@David.. you continue this narrative that “Fields is a great quarterback”.. Where are you getting that? How are you establishing that based on what he has done so far in the NFL? Other than running with the ball, what is he even average at so far, let alone great? I am not saying he can’t become great, and I certainly hope he does. He has some very good intangibles. But saying he is currently great is just complete nonsense. I understand things around him do need to improve, without a doubt. But you, like the rest of us, have no… Read more »
Erik, I know you have to write a lot of articles each day but you are reading so much more negative in his comments than are there. Of course there are things that have to improve. Did you expect him to say “we looked at the tape and he is exactly where he should be- a perfect and on fire nfl quarterback “.
Hogwash. TheyVe had since April io fix Fiels’s footwork, and anticipation. Tell me that Belichick, Shanehan, Daboll, and other wouldn’t have corrected this in two weeks. Just for proof, put in Siemien and see how he does. Eberflus won’t do that until Fields is hurt. The coaching staff will be fully exposed.
Another daily Fields trashing. Too bad Fields doesn’t get the same free pass Lucas Patrick gets.
@T-Pain – Yes, Josh and just about every QB that comes into the league goes thru this. It didn’t click for Josh until year 3. Fortunately for Josh, he went into a situation where the system and coaching staff were established. He didn’t have to learn 2 different NFL systems in his first 2 years. The Bills also made investments in personnel to help him. OL, WRs, RBs were all addressed. I believe the Bears will do the same, the only question is will Fields get a fair shot. He’s six games into his 2nd season learning a new system… Read more »