Overreaction Monday: Chicago Bears at New York Giants (Week 4)

Being a fan of the Chicago Bears is so incredibly draining and frustrating. I think this was demonstrated, yet again, in the Bears’ Week 4 game against the New York Giants. In typical Bears fashion, we (the fans) are left with an abundance of “what-ifs”. Of those, there are a couple that I am more troubled by than others.

To start, I feel it’s only right to touch on the (seemingly) most blatant “what-if” — Justin Fields. Through four games, Fields has completed 34 passes on 67 attempts (50.7%). In those completions, he’s gained 471 yards and two touchdowns. He’s thrown three interceptions, too. These stats, thus far, have him ranked 31st among quarterbacks in the NFL.

Is Justin Fields the right quarterback for the Chicago Bears?

I hate to sound like a broken record, but is Justin Fields the guy? To me, as I write this, only time will tell. Consider this — Fields is basically having a second rookie year. He started his NFL career in the dumpster fire that was the Matt Nagy and Ryan Pace era. Now, in year two, he’s been dealt a total regime change and team rebuild.

This means new systems, a new playbook, new everything. At the same time, Fields has little to no help. He has to run for his life on almost every pass play they call, and when he doesn’t his mediocre receiving corps is never open. Without question, context matters very much when considering this question.

As inconsistent as it’s been so far, Fields has shown glorious glimmers of hope, of talent. This is especially true when he has time in the pocket. Specifically, against the Giants, he was pressured on 51.4% of his passing attempts. With that said, on passing plays where the protection up front was effective, Fields went 10/14 for 168 yards, per Pro Football Focus (PFF). Ultimately, I’m not ready to write Fields off as a bust. However, despite the possible aforementioned influential factors, Fields’ play has definitely been worthy of criticism.

Is Kyler Gordon another bust draft pick for the Chicago Bears?

So far, the Chicago Bears have (surprisingly) continued to do what they have rapidly become known for — playing good defense while producing nothing on offense. Of course, our defense has played fairly well this season. However, there is a hole in the defense that seems to become bigger with each week that passes. This, of course, is the Bears’ situation at corner. Specifically, the play of Kyler Gordon.

Through four games, opposing quarterbacks have targeted receivers guarded by Gordon 28 times. Of those 28 attempts, Gordon has allowed 20 completions (15.3 yards per), 305 yards, and a touchdown. Not only has Gordon’s lackluster play demonstrated a possible lack of readiness, but an evident lack of depth at the cornerback position.

It is with great hope that we get to see Jaylon Johnson back on the field soon. Up until his injury, Johnson has been a shutdown corner. To this point, he’s played 63 coverage snaps, allowed one catch for nine yards, and held opposing quarterbacks to a passer rating of 42.4 per PFF.

Ultimately, I’m not sure what the rest of this season will bring. There is still plenty of football left to be played this year. But, if the Bears want to see improvement of any kind, I think it’s crucial that they address the previously mentioned “what-ifs”. Other than that, I got nothing. Hoping for the best, but (sadly) anticipating the worst. Regardless, Bear down.