Chicago Bears: Impact of comments made by Marquise Goodwin
Marquise Goodwin’s comment on the team’s approach to Jalen Ramsey didn’t incite any confidence. Goodwin is a new addition to the offense this season. After a year off in 2020 due to COVID-19, Goodwin signed with the Bears, bringing a lot of potential speed to the offense. A subtle jab at head coach Matt Nagy may indicate that such speed isn’t being used properly.
“He’s a unique player, All-Pro, Pro Bowler, instinctive, especially in short spaces. And us not running past 10 yards, that fell right into his hands I feel like,” said Goodwin.
Goodwin is implying the fact that the Bears’ offense failed to throw more than one pass over 15+ yards. The only deep ball attempt? A first-quarter interception in the red zone from Andy Dalton.
What Marquise Goodwin’s comment could imply about the Chicago Bears
The initial implication from this is that Goodwin is likely frustrated with the offense’s game plan. Per Pro Football Reference, Goodwin had four receptions for 45 yards, averaging 11.3 yards per reception.
The speed that Goodwin has allows the Chicago Bears to open up defenses for more opportunities on offense. He’s managed to clock in a 4.27 40-yard dash time. Other additions, such as Damiere Byrd and Breshad Perriman, were brought in to fulfill a similar role.
Goodwin’s comment may also allude to the Bears’ offensive game plan. Facing down a Rams’ defense that was one of the best in the league, Nagy orchestrated an offense with short gains. The Chicago Bears saw success with David Montgomery’s rushing attempts but failed to challenge the Rams’ secondary.
The former San Francisco 49er isn’t likely to be the only one upset with the Bears’ offense. Dalton’s limitations at his older age mean that opening up the offense isn’t an option. This is a subtle call for Justin Fields: the rookie has arguably the best deep ball in his rookie class.
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Fields has more to bring to the offense: athleticism, deep ball accuracy, and a calm poise in a collapsing pocket. His teammates recognize that as well, and unless Dalton performs well in Week 2, comments such as Goodwin’s aren’t likely to stop any time soon.