The Death Spiral Continues

 

November 1, 2021

 Sunday was a winnable game. The Bears had home field advantage against a struggling San Francisco Forty-Niners team who had lost their last four games. Plus Coach Matt Nagy wasn’t on the sideline. The Bears were ahead 16-9 before they snatched defeat from the Jaws of victory, losing 33-22. The Detroit Lions look like the only victory left on the schedule and they may lose that game as well. .

What was once a stingy defense has now given up 95 points in the last three games. 49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo who is having a poor year, had more passing yards than quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady. Garoppolo completed 17 of 28 passes for 322 yards. The 49ers also ran the ball for 145 yards. With time running out in the first half, Garoppolo completed a 50 yard pass to wide receiver Deebo Samuel set up their third field goal.  Although San Francisco had only three field goals, they were moving the ball easily. You might think the Bears would make some adjustments. On their first possession of the second half the 49ers went on an 80 yard drive to score their first touchdown. This was highlighted by an 83 yard screen pass to Samuel 83 yards to set up the 49ers first touchdown. The 49ers missed the extra point so the Bears were still leading 16-15 The Bears’ problem is they never have a plan B for either offense or defense.  On their next series the 49ers scored a touchdown with a two point conversion to take the lead 23-16. 

 The positive is this was probably Justin Fields’ best game. They finally started calling plays more suited to his game. They had play action and roll-out pass plays. One roll-out produced a touchdown when on the run, he threw in the end zone, where only tight end Jesse James could catch it. He showed off his legs carrying the ball 10 times for 103 yards. One was a dazzling 22 yard touchdown to make the score 23-22 He was dead to right when he escaped four defenders in the pocket, went left, eluding more tacklers and veered right into the end zone. Cairo Santos missed the extra point and the Bears trailed 23-22 The usually reliable Cairo Santos missed the extra point that would have tied the game The play calling was somewhat baffling. Fields completed 19 of 27 passes but only 175 yards. The 49ers lead the league in pass interference and yet the Bears didn’t throw a deep pass all game. After having success with Fields on play-action an roll-outs, towards the end of the game Fields was under center. However, in the time it takes to drop back, he was always under pressure. With this porousoffensive line, with players who wouldn’t start anywhere else, a shotgun formation would have given Fields a little more time. 

 Seeing Fields’ growth is the only reason to keep watching. This offense can be real good if tailored to Fields and what he can do. However, offensive guru Matt Nagy is so hung up on his offense this won’t happen as long as he is the coach. He has got to go so Fields can develop into a franchise quarterback.