Did you hear how Justin Fields blamed coaching for his robotic gameplay? Well, chances are you took it the wrong way because he wasn't blaming the coaches for his inability to play free. He was taking ownership of it while making it clear that with all of the coaching he has received, he is in his head too much. It's that simple.
Well, I have great news. Simple is the answer to the problems with the Chicago Bears offense. You are probably wondering how much alcohol I had to drink tonight. Thinking, what in the heck is this fool going on about? Well, to help fix the offense, Luke Getsy and company need to simplify it. Wait, what? Yes, you heard me.
The Chicago Bears must simplify the offense
Do you remember in garbage time last week when Justin Fields connected on the slant with DJ Moore for the only touchdown the Chicago Bears scored that day? We need more of that. We need to see those types of plays with pre-snap motions to disguise just how simple the playcalling is going to be. We need to see quick, two to three-step drops and throws over the middle — whether they are a quick slant or a dig. They can also throw some quick outs to the sideline or motion a wide receiver or running back then run a quick throw to the flat. Are you understanding yet?
These pass plays will be what the team uses to get the defense moving. It allows Justin Fields to get the ball out quicker, hit either his first or second read and if not there, take off running. This should cut down on the sacks. If the offense couples this with the ground and pound, then Luke Getsy and Justin Fields can sprinkle in true play action. That's right, I want to see more traditional snaps from under center and less shotgun.
Let's review. Quick, two to three-step drops with no more than two reads, followed by a checkdown or a run. Once the defense starts to cheat up into the box, then use play action and take your shots downfield. Yep, the key here though is masking the simplicity with pre-snap motions and shifts. We need more straight-up blocking too with chips from the tight ends and/or running backs. No more linemen blocking the same guy while one goes unblocked.
Let's repeat it for those in the back who couldn't hear. Quick, two to three-step drops with a max of two reads before a checkdown or Justin Fields takes off. Then, the Chicago Bears run the ball actually using their outside zone running attack. Once the defense cheats, hit them with some play action and throw the ball downfield. Once they cheat the opposite way, hit them with screens and the dink-and-dunk game. This should cut down on thinking for everyone. It should cut down on blocking time and lead to fewer sacks. Simplify the offense — at least for now!