3 Ways the Bears Can Help Justin Fields, Offense Break Out

The 2022 season has been downright painful for Justin Fields and the Chicago Bears offense.

Through four games, the offense is ranked 31st in scoring, 31st in total yards per game and 26th in yards per play. When isolating the passing game, the stats are even more miserable.

Some of the misery is on Fields. The second-year quarterback is expected to elevate the unit around him, and he's not done himself any favors with how long he holds on to the ball at times.

Then again, he isn't getting much help, either. Brad Spielberger of PFF recently shared this graphic illustrating how much help each quarterback is getting from their receivers and offensive lines:

Essentially, Fields is getting little blocking and doesn't have receivers who are getting separation. So changes need to be made to give the sophomore quarterback the best chance to turn things around this season.

More Play Action Passing

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 02: Justin Fields #1 of the Chicago Bears passes the ball to Khalil Herbert #24 during the first half of the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on October 02, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

The Chicago Bears are No. 1 in rushing play percentage. Despite the high volume, they are still No. 4 in yards per carry and third in rushing yards per game.

In short, defenses have to respect the rushing attack spearheaded by Khalil Herbert and David Montgomery when healthy.

Yet Fields is 28th in the league in play-action passing attempts.

There are several benefits to utilizing more play fakes.

For one, it reduces the amount of true pass-block sets for the offensive line as they are running a scheme based on the run fake. That's good for an offensive line that has proved to be faulty in pass pro. It also cuts the field in half for Fields and allows him to throw the ball on rhythm.

With Fields constantly seeing pressure in his face and having the ability to throw on the run anyway, anything they can do to take advantage of aggressive defenses is a positive.

Trade for WR Kendrick Bourne

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New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne during an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens at Gillette Stadium, Sunday, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2022 in Foxborough, Mass. (Winslow Townson/AP Images for Panini)

The collection of Bears talent at wide receiver was questionable on paper. The play on the field has done little to combat that perception.

The Bears are among the worst teams in the league at creating separation. That makes Fields' job even more difficult as he has no one to throw it to on the rare occasion the offensive line gives him time.

The receiver market is fairly dry at this point. Players like Odell Beckham Jr. and Will Fuller V are likely waiting on contenders to make the right offer. There are few proven options who would be logical trade candidates.

Kendrick Bourne makes the most sense in that department. Through four games this season, he only has 12 targets and appears to be in Bill Belichick's doghouse.

That being said, he's 12th in the league in target separation, per Player Profiler.

He's a good route runner who can get open in multiple areas of the field, providing Fields with a true No. 2 option alongside Darnell Mooney.

Move Lucas Patrick to Center ASAP

AP Photo/David Banks

Chicago Bears guard Lucas Patrick (62) celebrates a Bears touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half in an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks)

One of the more alluring reasons to sign Lucas Patrick this offseason was his flexibility to play either center or guard. The interior offensive lineman has experience doing both, and the Bears need that versatility as they attempt to put together a competent starting five.

Current center Sam Mustipher is clearly the weakest link of the group right now. He had a 1.5 passing grade from PFF last week and was responsible for six pressures. That much A-gap pressure is nearly impossible for any quarterback to overcome.

Thus far, the coaching staff has not been comfortable moving Patrick to center because of his recovery from a thumb injury.

"I mean, we've got to keep building up, and when we feel really good about it, then we can make a real decision of are we going to move him to center full time or not? But right now, I don't think we're to that point just yet of feeling that comfort," offensive coordinator Luke Getsy told the press.

As soon as Patrick demonstrates he can snap the ball, that's where he should be playing. The Bears have a competent guard in Michael Schofield on the bench right now. Their best five could be with Patrick taking over for Mustipher and Schofield slotting in at left guard.

It's at least worth a shot given how the unit has played thus far.