Chicago Bears: 3 things Justin Fields must do to win starting job

At Ohio State, Fields ran a common spread offense, the big focus was on Inside Zone runs, with the intent to get the ball downfield, to a bevy of NFL ready Buckeye receivers.  It also looks like that’s how Pace is building his receiver room with the acquisition of guys like Dazz Williams and Damiere Byrd. Fields was lauded for his downfield accuracy, something of which would have made a big difference on a handful of plays across each season when Trubisky was at the helm for Chicago.

There are various types of spread offenses varying from Mike Leach’s Air Raid that Oklahoma also uses, to more inside zone run based like previous Head Coach Urban Meyer used. Seeing as though Fields was very strong and athletic, it would only make sense for Ryan Day to utilize this. Regardless, the spread pulls defenders out of the tackle box so runs like inside zone can be easier. Once the ability to read an edge defender is put in play, it’s just a souped up version of your daddy’s 1980’s triple option.

Fields will enter the league with a coaching staff willing to work with his particular abilities, at least from a fundamental side. Bears QB coach John DeFilippo is a recent OC in the league, and is recognized for his QB work. It whatever movements, motions and muscle memory DeFilippo can recreate during individual drill work will only help Fields acclimate quicker. Hopefully Bears play caller Matt Nagy won’t burden Fields from the start, and let him grow within the confines of the offense.