Matt Eberflus' analysis of the Bears' screen-oriented offensive strategy against the Vikings is certainly worth delving into.
The Bears' Week 6 encounter against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field proved challenging, with the Vikings consistently applying pressure through blitzes orchestrated by defensive coordinator Brian Flores. In response, the Bears heavily relied on screen passes throughout the game, a strategy they executed repeatedly.
According to ESPN Stats and Info, Justin Fields, the Bears' quarterback, faced pressure on a significant 52 percent of his dropbacks during the Bears' comeback win at U.S. Bank Stadium, resulting in a mere 2.4 average air yards per attempt and 1.9 air yards per completion, both career lows for Fields. He threw 21 passes behind or at the line of scrimmage and averaged just 0.8 air yards per attempt in the first half.
Initially, the screens proved somewhat effective, but the Vikings quickly adapted to the Bears' approach. Despite this, offensive coordinator Luke Getsy stuck to the plan, leading to a sputtering Bears' offense in the second half.
Head coach Matt Eberflus explained why the Bears avoided attacking the Vikings with slants and short passes over the middle, citing the Vikings' packed coverage in the middle and the open spots on the perimeter. He acknowledged the need for precise ball placement and solid perimeter blocking to exploit these opportunities.
Eberflus also expressed a desire for more explosive plays, recognizing that the offense had opportunities to capitalize on the Vikings' aggressive pressure defense.
Fields had a few chances to attack downfield, but he missed some of these opportunities. One notable instance occurred in the second quarter when Fields failed to connect with an open Darnell Mooney, resulting in a missed chunk play.
Eberflus' assessment of the offensive performance seemed to be directed at both Getsy for the screen-heavy strategy and Fields for missing some deep shot opportunities.
However, Fields came through when it mattered most. In the final minutes of the game, trailing 10-9, he orchestrated a game-winning drive. Fields completed critical passes to DJ Moore, including a 36-yard strike on third-and-10 that set up the Bears for a field goal attempt. Notably, the Vikings did not blitz during this crucial drive, and Fields capitalized on throws of 10 or more air yards.
Overall, the Bears' offensive struggles were attributed to both Getsy's lack of adaptability and Fields' need for consistency in identifying and executing chunk plays promptly. Eberflus emphasized the importance of improvement as the team moves forward, recognizing that growth is part of the journey for a young quarterback and a first-time NFL play-caller.
| POLL | ||
29 NOVEMBRE | 45 ANSWERS Matt Eberflus' analysis of the Bears' screen-oriented offensive strategy against the Vikings is certainly worth delving into. Is Matt Eberlfus on the "Hot seat"? | ||
| Yes | 39 | 86.7 % |
| No | 6 | 13.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
