Protecting the Galaxy: The Challenge of Blocking for Justin Fields
The Chicago Bears offensive linemen aren't merely fueled by regret over last season's underperformance, though the grim stats from last year certainly offer a motivational push.
Channeling their inner Buzz Lightyear, the team has adopted a fresh mantra to support their quarterback, Justin Fields. They're not aiming "to infinity and beyond," but something quite close � the infinity block.
"Justin is an extraordinary talent," guard Teven Jenkins praises. "He can hold the line for six, maybe seven seconds, and then he's off, running. Our duty is to offer unwavering protection."
The term that now reverberates in the Bears' offensive strategy and O-line discussions is 'protect to infinity.'
This notion shouldn't be misconstrued as a critique of Fields holding onto the ball too long, a point often raised by naysayers. Instead, it's an acknowledgment that his style might involve scrambling for significant yardage or buying time to execute a perfect throw.
This strategy is a novelty for the Bears who were lacking in this department last year. However, with a fresh set of receivers, this tactic is emerging as a viable game plan. This was in full display during a Tuesday practice when Fields successfully managed to buy time against the rush, enabling him to find Chase Claypool for a touchdown. He later repeated this feat with DJ Moore on the opposite flank.
Such maneuvers demand extended play from the linemen before the whistle is blown.
"Justin's dynamism demands us to block indefinitely," remarks tackle Braxton Jones. "When he's behind the line, you know something extraordinary might be about to happen. He has a knack for escaping the stickiest of situations."
Fields' exhilarating plays are a personal matter for the linemen. His magic on the field often makes them look good.
"There have been instances when it seemed like I was about to concede a sack or had made a blunder, but then he's suddenly out the back and running," Jones reflects. "Our job is to block indefinitely."
This mentality holds true across the board, be it during a dropback pass or any other play.
The Bears offensive line conceded 58 sacks last year, 55 of them on Fields, revealing the challenges of blocking for a quarterback who tends to rove across the pocket. This was the second consecutive year the team allowed 58 sacks.
However, it's worth noting that the previous season saw Fields starting just 10 games, indicating that the burden doesn't entirely rest on the quarterback's shoulders. The line must improve their pass-blocking game.
A 14.7% sack ratio from only 318 throws is a statistic the linemen recognize as unacceptable.
Jenkins, however, is noticing quicker ball releases from Fields, which could help lower the sack count.
"On the pitch, it's tough to say, but film analysis shows us that he's progressing rapidly and the ball is leaving his hands much quicker. This assists us linemen tremendously," he observes.
Still, Fields' playing style inherently involves scrambling. Extended play time means 'infinite' blocking requires linemen in prime physical shape.
Perhaps rookie Darnell Wright had the right idea when he followed the wide receivers' off-season running program instead of the one designed for offensive linemen. Although unintentional, Wright's 16-pound weight loss put him in excellent form.
Center Cody Whitehair couldn't help but smile at the fortunate mishap, noting that "blocking to infinity certainly requires superior conditioning."
| POLL | ||
2 AOUT | 34 ANSWERS Protecting the Galaxy: The Challenge of Blocking for Justin Fields Should the Bears keep Justin Fields on the Bench for pre-season? | ||
| Yes | 10 | 29.4 % |
| No | 24 | 70.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
