3 reasons not to blame Justin Fields for loss to Packers

So much for all of the offseason hype. The Chicago Bears were obliterated by the Green Bay Packers in Week 1, 38-20.

Quarterback Justin Fields was supposed to enjoy the beginning of a true breakout in Year 3, but instead it was Jordan Love everyone was talking about in the end; at least, the positive narratives anyway.

When it comes to Fields, it's easy for people to blame the quarterback for a loss this ugly. But, he was far from the reason why this game was lost. Three areas, in particular, should be blamed for why the Bears came out so flat.

1. Offensive line play was poor

It was actually funny and impressive at the same time, for the Bears' offensive line to protect Fields in such a disastrous manner, all while most of Fields' pass attempts came on short or flat routes. I'm not so sure how an offensive line could play so poorly with a game plan like that, but we'll get to the play-calling a little later on.

The main point is, Fields hardly had time to throw the ball. Two of Green Bay's four sacks came via pass rushers who were not blocked, whatsoever. Critics want to throw Fields under the bus for trying run it as often as he did (nine attempts) but the reality was, he didn't have much of an option. In fact, Fields should have been sacked seven or eight times, but a few of those he was able to sneak out of almost as if he were a magician.

It looked so reminiscent of last season. Fans felt as though nothing had changed. The only difference was, instead of not allowing Fields to throw at all, he was limited to throwing short; but more on that later.