If you were hoping a Justin Fields return would usher in a new-look Bears offense, I’m going to need you to adjust your expectations because Bears Offensive Coordinator Luke Getsy is throwing cold water on those dreams before they could even formulate in my brain.
This quote from Chicago’s play-caller, via ESPN’s Courtney Cronin, made my eyes roll to the back of my head. It is a miracle that they rolled back, which allows me to share this:
I read this tweet. Then I read it again. For good measure, I read it a third time. Each time I read it, I let out an exasperated sigh. Luke Getsy doesn’t get it.
Chicago Bears quarterbacks Justin Fields and Tyson Bagent are two very different players. Each has different skills, strengths, and weaknesses. There are things Fields can do athletically that Bagent can’t because he isn’t as gifted in that department. On the other side of the coin, we’ve seen Bagent excel in areas that Fields hasn’t. And yet, the Bears offensive coordinator says that the game plan won’t differentiate depending on who is quarterbacking. That is madness. Frankly, I find it unacceptable.
Luke Getsy is repeating history
The biggest failure of the Matt Nagy era came when he wouldn’t adapt his scheme to the players he had on the roster. Nagy’s stubbornness and unwillingness to be flexible led to offenses that were lifeless, predictable, and downright bad. Getsy’s arrival was supposed to be a change of direction. And for chunks of last year, Getsy’s offense was fit for the players on his roster. He even went as far as to steal plays from the Ravens. But one year later, Getsy is saying that his system supersedes the talent around him. That is such an annoying stance to take.
Maybe it is because he is a one-trick pony. Perhaps his ego is getting in the way. Whatever it is, one thing is clear: Luke Getsy doesn’t get it. And because of that, I’m not sure he is long for this job with the Bears. At least, he shouldn’t be. Not with this mindset. Otherwise, what was the point of dumping Nagy and his staff in the first place? So much for this staff being willing to adjust to the strengths of its players.
The Bears are making the same mistakes over and over again. Enough is enough. And soon enough, the time for change will come. Unfortunately, it probably won’t come quickly enough to make the most of the talent on this roster.
As for Fields, the Bears QB’s status for Thursday Night Football is up in the air. General Manager Ryan Poles said there is a possibility Fields suits up for the TNF showdown against the Carolina Panthers. Fields returned to practice on Friday, spoke confidently about the progress he has made, and began the week as a limited participant in practice and is seen as day-to-day. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler believes today will be a crucial one for Fields and could give an inkling if he plays. Stay tuned.