7 thoughts following the Chicago Bears loss to the Lions
Chicago Bears Thought No. 3: Should Justin Fields even play on Sunday?
The biggest head-scratcher from yesterday’s game was Matt Eberflus’ decision to keep Justin Fields in for the entire game.
Matt Eberflus doubled down on the importance of live football game reps as the reason the Bears kept Justin Fields in the game down 4 TDs late. Eberflus said if Fields is healthy, he’ll play vs. Minnesota in the season finale.
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) January 1, 2023
I get that allowing Fields to gain in-game experience is important to his development. But what is Fields going to learn with this depleted offensive line that is now down to their third-string right guard? Teven Jenkins is likely out for the season after reaggravating his neck injury and both tackles were turnstiles when it came to pass protection.
The most telling moment of the game was when Fields was tackled after he scrambled for 60 yards on the second possession. He was getting a massage with a therapy gun after the drive ended in a field goal. His pain threshold is starting to reach its limits as he continues to take hits.
However, can Eberflus afford to take such risks when Fields already has suffered a dislocated shoulder? Does anyone need to remind him about what happened to Cardinals QB Kyler Murray, who suffered an ACL injury that will sideline him until at least October?
If Eberflus is hellbent on giving Fields the game experience, even in a meaningless season finale against the Minnesota Vikings next Sunday, he can pull Fields out of the game after he breaks Lamar Jackson’s NFL record of most rushing yards by the quarterback regardless of the score. That seems like the only reason for him playing Fields, but it still seems very reckless.
Perhaps Eberflus can talk sense into Luke Getsy and figure out a way to give Chase Claypool, who only had four touches in the first half and was visibly frustrated in the second half, more touches and move Fields around the pocket.
The conversation between Eberflus and general manager Ryan Poles will be very interesting this week, knowing the top two picks are at stake. They can still secure the No.1 overall pick with a loss and Houston Texans win against Indianapolis Colts.