Justin Fields did a lot of good things last year. Despite difficult circumstances, he evolved as a runner and improved his overall passing efficiency. However, there were several issues he never quite ironed out. His passing yardage is one most experts harp on. Not enough people talk about his execution in the two-minute offense. Across his 15 starts, he went 12-of-21 for 116 yards and two interceptions for a 33.1 passer rating. That goes a long way in explaining why the Chicago Bears lost several close games.
It appears head coach Matt Eberflus and his staff made it a point to use early summer practices to focus on two-minute offense. The Bears have run several drills in those situations. Recent reports indicate Fields has learned some things. Last week he engineered a touchdown drive in the two-minute drill almost exclusively through the air. Now according to Josh Schrock of NBC Sports Chicago, he did so again at Wednesday’s practice. As before, he was aided by newly-arrived receiver D.J. Moore.
“The Bears’ offense ended the day with a two-minute drill in which Fields and Co. had to move the ball into field goal range with limited time.
The offense was notoriously horrific in two-minute situations last season, but the operation executed its game plan successfully in shorts and t-shirts in early June.
Fields opened the drill with a dart to DJ Moore across the middle of the field for a big gain. He found tight end Robert Tonyan on the ensuing play to get the offense into field goal range. Fields’ last pass of the drill, which was intended for running back Trestan Ebner, fell incomplete.
Kicker Cairo Santos drilled the kick to finish the drill.”
Justin Fields never lacked ability in the clutch.
His time at Ohio State proved that. It’s a matter of finding the ability to execute with greater precision. That is hard to do in a new offensive scheme with bad protection and few weapons. The Bears worked to address those two issues in the off-season. Moore is already making a huge difference. Comments from coaches and teammates insist Fields is far more in tune with the system, understanding the verbiage and responsibilities of every player on every play. If his retooled offensive line can step up, he should be much better in two-minute situations this year.
This is the latest sign that Justin Fields hasn’t wasted his time off since last season. He’s spent every available minute working to get better. People around him insist he’s obsessed. It continues to show in the rapid progress he’s making. While it might be unreasonable to expect a Jalen Hurts leap this season, it’s not crazy to think the Bears quarterback will silence many doubters. Chicago has waited a long time for a franchise guy. Maybe he can finally break that cycle.
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
