The Real Villain Of Chicago Bears’ Loss To Packers Is Obvious

Justin Fields was outstanding for most of the day against the Green Bay Packers. He threw for a season-high 254 yards and ran for another 71, including a 56-yard touchdown. Sadly, a late Packers comeback the 4th quarter got help from two costly interceptions. People watching the box score will blame Fields for the collapse. They will be wrong. He was the only reason the Chicago Bears had a chance to win that game. Those mistakes also overshadow a more glaring issue facing that offense.

Luke Getsy had maybe his worst game calling plays as offensive coordinator in the 4th quarter. His conservative approach was baffling. Everything spiraled out of control late in the 3rd. It started with an ill-advised draw call to Darrynton Evans on 3rd and 7. Miraculously, the running back took it 21 yards for a first down. Chicago held the ball 1st and goal and the Packers’ nine-yard line. He quickly followed with a wildcat play, with Evans handing off to David Montgomery. It resulted in a holding call on Teven Jenkins. Then on the next play from the 19, Getsy called another run to Montgomery that resulted in a five-yard loss. This led to settling for a field goal.

After Green Bay scored to make 19-17, Fields hit N’Keal Harry for a huge 49-yard bomb. At the Packers’ 30, Getsy proceeded to call a screen (lost two yards), and two Montgomery runs that failed to get a first down. Cairo Santos’ field goal was subsequently blocked. Two brutally conservative approaches by Getsy. The collapse was completed not long after that.

The Chicago Bears have to be willing to turn Fields loose.

By the time they finally did after Green Bay took the lead, it was too late. Their opportunity had passed. The Packers’ defense was motivated and ready for it. With a group of hobbled and subpar wide receivers, the Bears quarterback couldn’t close the deal. Sadly the narrative will be that he still doesn’t know how to win games late. Not enough people talk about how Getsy keeps putting him in those situations with his conservative play calling in every second half. The young assistant coach has plenty of admirable qualities, but this is something he has to get over.

It is clearer than ever that Fields is making progress as a passer. It’s also clear Getsy doesn’t want to put the ball in his hands way too often. That lack of trust leaks into the quarterback’s play. He gets tentative with his decision-making, which inevitably leads to mistakes. The Chicago Bears won’t beat teams like Green Bay with running the ball and defense. They’ve tried that for 30 years without much success. It will be Fields that gets them over the hump. Getsy has to take the leash off.