Chicago Bears: 5 things to watch against the New England Patriots
By Todd Welter
Chicago Bears QB Justin Fields getting the ball out quickly and completing passes.
Fields has been inconsistent through his first six games. He has thrown for 869 yards and four touchdowns along with five interceptions through six games. He has completed just 54.8% of his passes.
Outside of his outstanding second-half performance against the Minnesota Vikings, Justin Fields has not done much to show he can solve the Bears’ nearly 75-year problem at quarterback.
To be fair, he does not have a lot of help around him. His receivers either struggle to get open or catch the ball – the thing they are paid to do. The offensive line allowing immense pressure has thrown off Fields’ timing.
Justin Fields on how the lack of a consistent pocket impacts him:
— Josh Schrock (@Schrock_And_Awe) October 20, 2022
"I felt like later in the game, my internal clock was speeding up a little bit just because of the pass pockets I was getting in the game."
Said he asked Getsy and Janocko to remind him to reset after every play.
His part of the problem is not getting rid of the ball and not completing passes to his open check downs consistently. Right now the Chicago Bears best play is Justin Fields scrambling. That running ability has gotten Bill Belichick’s attention.
Taking a look at Justin Fields and the Bears offense.
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) October 20, 2022
BB previews #CHIvsNE on the Belestrator. pic.twitter.com/juQQU1XMqD
Expect Belichick to make sure the edge is set and someone is spying on him to keep Fields contained in the pocket. That means Justin Fields will need to use his arm if the Patriots successfully take away the run game and his scrambling ability.
It also means he needs to get rid of the ball quickly. Belichick is going to make sure the defense is bringing pressure. One thing that could happen is the Patriots’ defense plays a cloud coverage and dares Fields to beat him with his decision-making.
Offensive coordinator Luke Getsy can help by calling for plays that allow for easy completions and getting the ball out quickly. Fields can help himself by making sure he throws his check down if no one is open downfield. There is no shame in dinking and dunking down the field.