The Chicago Bears have struggled to get Justin Fields going this season. Running into several top contenders hasn’t helped. It was hoped playing a struggling San Francisco 49ers team at home might be the elixir they need. Sure enough, the rookie has gotten off to strong start, looking more comfortable and efficient than at any point last week in Tampa Bay. He even delivered his first true WOW touchdown pass of the season.

It came early in the 2nd quarter. The Bears had driven to the 49ers’ 8-yard line. A play action bootleg was called and Fields sprinted to his left. Facing a difficult angle, he fired a rocket to a diving Jesse James beyond the outstretched fingers of a San Francisco defender. A beautiful throw and catch. It will be interesting to see if the rookie can keep this going for a full game.

Consistency has been the issue for Chicago.

Even before Justin Fields got there. They could have a burst of success on offense early and then disappear for entire quarters at a time. See the Green Bay Packers game for a reminder. Will San Francisco adjust and take away what the Bears have had success with thus far? Time will tell. One interesting subplot to all of this is the absence of Matt Nagy. It is difficult not to point out how much more fluid and efficient the unit has looked thus far.

Is it just a coincidence this is happening without the head coach present? A man notorious for being somewhat stubborn in how the offense is run. One thing is for sure. If this success continues throughout the game, it isn’t going to be a great look for the head coach. People will start wondering what exactly it is he offers the team. Especially Fields.