Dan Orlovsky criticizes Bears' OC for poor play call decision in the final moments.
The Chicago Bears, wrapping up the previous season with a 10-game losing streak, have again commenced 2023 with a disheartening 0-2. While the blame can be spread across the board, the spotlight is on OC Luke Getsy's controversial play choices during Sunday's 27-17 defeat against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Late in the fourth quarter, with a mere 2:18 to spare and the Bears positioned near their own end zone, Justin Fields threw a screen pass to running back Khalil Herbert. However, this move was neutralized by an offensive pass interference penalty.
Surprisingly, instead of changing tactics, Getsy repeated the same screen pass strategy to Herbert. This predictable play was quickly intercepted by linebacker Shaquil Barrett, resulting in an effortless pick-six for four yards.
This strategic misstep by Getsy didn't escape criticism. ESPN's Dan Orlovsky, though absent from "Get Up", voiced his disapproval on X, formerly known as Twitter. He analyzed, "It's rare to see a team use the same traditional screen move twice consecutively. With Shaq Barrett and Lavonte David's experience playing together, they were bound to anticipate it. This isn't on the quarterback."
Post-game, Lavonte David's statement further emphasized Getsy's mistake. He revealed via Fox Sports' Greg Auman, "Everyone recognized the screen move. Playmakers responded appropriately. When Barrett got the chance, he seized it."
While Fields' interception can't be ignored, the coaching team appears to be offering little assistance. Fields, who had an impressive running track record in 2022, has been surprisingly inactive in this season's games, hinting at a potential misdirection in strategy.
The young quarterback is showing evident challenges with defense reading, facing a staggering 10 sacks already. Head Coach Matt Eberflus and his team need to reconsider trying to mold Fields into a conventional pocket passer. Instead, they should harness his strength in running to prevent the Bears' season from spiraling further.
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19 SEPTEMBRE | 25 ANSWERS Dan Orlovsky criticizes Bears' OC for poor play call decision in the final moments. Should the Bears fire Luke Getsy? | ||
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