A former Bears coach believes that the team is courting trouble with their current utilization of Justin Fields.
The most significant decision on the horizon for the Bears this offseason revolves around Justin Fields. They face a choice: should they trade him and select a new rookie quarterback, or should they exercise Fields' fifth-year option and commit to developing him into the superstar quarterback many believe he can become?
Former Bears head coach Dave Wannstedt recently joined NBC Sports Chicago's "Under Center" podcast and expressed his support for Fields, hoping that he remains in Chicago. However, Wannstedt emphasized one crucial change he'd like to see in how the Bears utilize Fields, believing it's essential to avoid potential pitfalls.
"I don't like him running 18 times," Wannstedt remarked on the show. "That's way too much. I think you're asking for trouble there. I believe he can run RPOs and make plays on designed runs, but I'd limit it to eight to 10 runs at most. In my view, he ran the ball too frequently."
Wannstedt is renowned for leading some of the most run-heavy teams in NFL history, with his 2002 Dolphins running the ball an astounding 530 times. Even more impressively, Ricky Williams alone carried the ball 775 times between the 2002 and 2003 seasons. Thus, it carries weight when Wannstedt, of all people, suggests that the Bears may be overusing Fields as a runner.
"You're talking to a guy who never wanted to throw it if I didn't have to," Wannstedt quipped.
One of the primary challenges for offensive coordinator Luke Getsy and the Bears this season has been striking the right balance in utilizing Fields both as a runner and a passer. Early in the season, it appeared they weren't fully capitalizing on his running abilities. However, in the recent game against the Lions, it seemed like they may have overcorrected.
Determining the appropriate number of designed runs for Fields is more complex than simply setting targets for a wide receiver like DJ Moore. Fields possesses exceptional scrambling skills and often extends plays, leading to many unplanned runs, which can accumulate quickly.
"Some of that's his own fault," Wannstedt acknowledged.
Coaches must find the right balance to protect Fields from overexertion, preventing a recurrence of the leg issues he experienced last year or the risk of injury.
This season, Fields has carried the ball 65 times for 341 yards and one touchdown.
| POLL | ||
25 NOVEMBRE | 60 ANSWERS A former Bears coach believes that the team is courting trouble with their current utilization of Justin Fields. Is Justin Fields playing "carelessly"? | ||
| Yes | 21 | 35 % |
| No | 39 | 65 % |
| List of polls | ||
