Just Pathetic

 

October 14, 2022

 

Bears QB, Justin Fields, had the best half of his career as a Bears rally fell short against the much more talented Minnesota Vikings. Therefore, I thought the Bears could pull out a victory against a bad (1-4) Washington Commanders team.  Velus Jones Jr. fumbled a punt to thwart any comeback against the N.Y. Giants two weeks ago. He did it again against the Commanders, which cost the Bears the lead and eventually the game, 12-7. The Bears still had ample opportunities to win this game.

The Bears not only reached the red zone three times, but had first and goal from the Washington 6-yard line three times without scoring. Justin Fields was 14/27 for 190 yards. I would venture to say he got hit on at least 20 of his attempts. Fields also racked up 88 rushing yards. However, he made some crucial mistakes which have to be cleaned up. On the first drive, he had a pass tipped and was intercepted. On the second drive, he missed a wide-open Ryan Griffin in the end zone. So far I am not enamored with Luke Getsy’s play calls. On three roll-outs avoiding pressure, Fields was able to make completions downfield. What is confusing is all other plays had Fields in the pocket where he was a dead duck.  Fields was moving gingerly, getting up after the offensive line failed to protect him. He will probably end up injured. Getsy also has to be more creative near the goal line. How about an option play? A quick hitter to a sitting down receiver? When you only need a yard, why not try a quarterback sneak?

Trailing in the fourth quarter, the Bears turned to their running game. When you do this you take time off the board and if you don’t, you decrease the chance of winning. Sure enough, the Bears turned the ball over with 2:43 left in the game. The defense, which was pretty good, got the ball back. Washington coach Ron Rivera helped by going for a field goal that missed, instead of pinning the Bears deep in their territory. The Bears had life and a Fields’ run gave them first goal at the 6 yard line. Dante Pettis got his hands on a pass but couldn’t corral it. A pass to Darnell Mooney was a bit underthrown and he didn’t make the end zone. Game over.