Just as the Chicago Bears raise expectations, they crush them, suffering a disheartening 17-20 defeat against the Cleveland Browns. This game highlighted a critical aspect that the Bears must address. Luke Getsy, the Bears’ Offensive Coordinator, orchestrated a subpar offensive performance, leading to questions about his play-calling. Despite securing three interceptions and making several defensive stops, the Bears scored only one touchdown on the offensive end. But why does Getsy get all the blame?
Luke Getsy’s Time In Chicago Should Come To An End: How Heartbreaking Loss In Cleveland Seals The Deal
Critical Coaching Mistakes Made By Luke Getsy
The lack of jumbo packages called against a formidable defensive line was questionable. Throughout the game, it seemed like there was no rhythm on offense. There should be no excuse for losing to a team with more than a fourth of their cap space on injured reserve. Even with all the momentum the Bears gained going into this game, it was crushed by the lack of offense.
It is never 100% a specific person’s fault for losing the game. This sport is a team effort, but when it’s clear that most of the blame is on one person, there needs to be a change. Quarterback Justin Fields was not put into positions to be successful against the Browns. Despite a promising start, with the Bears leading 17-7 with 7:07 remaining in the third quarter, Getsy adopted a conservative approach, focusing on “holding the lead” rather than actively seeking to win the game. Relying on running plays on first and second downs and expecting Fields to perform heroically on third down is an ineffective strategy in the National Football League.
It’s been evident this season that Getsy has not lived up to the expectations the Bears had for him as the Offensive Coordinator. The team appears stuck in familiar patterns in a season where substantial offensive progress was anticipated. It’s time for the franchise to recognize that the old saying “defense wins championships” isn’t as applicable in today’s NFL as it once was. With abundant offensive talent, significant changes are necessary to unleash the team’s full potential in Chicago.
Missed Opportunities On Offense
As previously stated, the responsibility doesn’t solely rest on Getsy; various offensive contributors committed significant errors. The sequence began with a dropped pass by tight end Robert Tonyan. Despite a superb throw by Fields under pressure, Tonyan couldn’t make the catch. In the game’s closing moments, with 32 seconds remaining, Fields targeted rookie wide receiver Tyler Scott with a deep right-field pass, but Scott failed to secure it. Success in the league is challenging when receivers struggle to catch perfectly placed throws.
Darnell Mooney
Bears wide receiver Darnell Mooney arguably had his worst game as a Bear. Watching Mooney throughout the match, it appeared as if he lacked effort, exhibiting shortcomings such as not returning to the football, failing in blocking assignments, and being out of sync. Mooney did not resemble the player he had been for the Bears. To add to the disappointment, he had a golden opportunity to emerge as the game’s hero but couldn’t secure the hail-mary pass that could have potentially secured the victory for the Bears. Given that this is a contract year for Mooney, it appears that his time in Chicago is quickly coming to an end.
“You either die a hero…or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain.”
To New Beginnings
What seemed like a fever dream for the Bears is now over. The Bears’ path to the playoffs has mostly shut off after the agonizing defeat to the Browns. The organization must now consider the necessary changes to set the team toward future success. Whether it’s adjustments in coaching staff, offensive strategies, or personnel decisions, the Bears need a fresh start to unlock the full potential of their talented roster. The journey may be challenging, but the Bears need to learn from their mistakes and embrace the opportunities that come with new beginnings.
Main Photo: [Matt Marton] – USA Today Sports
