The Chicago Bears are in Year 1 of their extensive rebuild. It is probably better described as an overhaul. They are planning on moving the entire franchise to the nearby suburb of Arlington Heights and their long-time president is retiring after this season. What would help ease some of this transition would be a little certainty in what they have under center.
To this point, though, Justin Fields – and the offense as a whole – has looked even worse than the work-in-progress that it is.
Fields, the offensive line, and the pass-catchers have all come under fire for lackluster performances this season, and rightfully so. There have been miscues at every level in every game this season.
But Sunday’s 20-12 loss to the New York Giants has the Bears coaches under fire.
Matt Eberflus, Luke Getsy Criticized for Chicago Bears Week 4 Loss
Bears Coaches Under Fire
The #Bears are in the midst of an extensive rebuild. Yet, they’ve taken no steps (IMO) to try & be aggressive or develop their quarterback.
I can handle the losses. I can handle the bad play. I cannot handle poor coaching that refuses to take any chances with nothing to lose.
— Aaron Leming (@AaronLemingNFL) October 2, 2022
A common refrain from this offseason was the lack of protection and weapons provided to Fields by general manager Ryan Poles. Despite that, they have continued to say that they have full faith in him and see progress in his development.
Yet their play-calling has shown otherwise. The broadcast even noted they had run the ball in the red zone on 19 of their 20 plays coming in.
My initial #Bears reaction after a boring, risk-averse loss!!! pic.twitter.com/omTt0lmtgu
— Laurence Holmes (@LaurenceWHolmes) October 2, 2022
This is a frustrating thing for fans. There has been a constant drumbeat for Fields to show signs of progress after his frustrating start to just his second NFL season. He was 11-for-22 for 174 yards on the day with an additional 52 yards coming on the ground via seven carries. He did not add to his interception total. But he also failed to score a touchdown, lost his first fumble of the season, and absorbed six sacks. Fields was not great even if he was improved.
But the Bears still had a chance to win before rookie wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. – making his NFL debut – went back to return a punt. The Bears defense had rewarded Matt Eberflus’ decision to punt with about three minutes remaining and down more than a field goal. Jones would fumble the return allowing the Giants another possession and the opportunity to score another field goal.
In the eyes of some, the play calling has specifically been lackluster.
I have not been impressed with Luke Getsy this season so far but especially today. It has been horrible #DaBears
— Matt Newton (@mattnewts) October 2, 2022
Bears Game Notes
Giants head coach Brian Daboll was a hot candidate this past off-season. He was one of the several to be interviewed by the Bears. Much will be made of their decision to go with Eberflus instead following this loss. But it is important to remember that Daboll had a pre-existing relationship with Giants general manager Joe Schoen from their time with the Buffalo Bills. Either way, the Bears coaches will face heavy scrutiny for much of the week as they have all season.
Darnell Mooney got going with four catches and 94 yards. Both are highs for the season and his five targets are just one off from the high set last week versus the Houston Texans. He will look to build on that against the Minnesota Vikings’ 29th-ranked passing defense.
The #Bears have given up over 175 rushing yards in 3 of their first 4 games.
Opponents have gone over 200 yards in two of those games.
— Zack Pearson (@Zack_Pearson) October 2, 2022
Giants quarterback Daniel Jones had 68 of the Giants’ 262 rushing yards on six carries and both touchdowns. The Bears came in tied with the Seattle Seahawks for 31st place in rush defense. They are just five yards better than the 32nd-ranked team, the Los Angeles Chargers, after this week.
All 12 of the Bears’ points came via the right leg of Michael Badgely. He was signed to and from the practice squad on Friday.
