VIDEO: Ryan Poles and Matt Eberflus Encouraged By Fields’ Progress
When Ryan Poles and Matt Eberflus arrived in January, they understood the tricky situation they’d walked into. Most new GM and head coach combinations choose their own quarterbacks within their first three years together. That isn’t the case for the latest Chicago Bears pairing. Their goal was to embrace Justin Fields. It wasn’t something that discouraged them, far from it. Reports persist that both men think highly of the young quarterback.
The goal was to do everything in their power to help him improve. That involved a multi-pronged attack, including a revamped offensive roster, a new system, and rebuilding Fields’ fundamentals from the ground up. It was not something they expected to happen overnight. Both men have been around long enough to understand that this process will take some time. Still, it seems they like what they’ve seen thus far.
They had a conversation about it on camera.
The Bears released the third episode of their acclaimed 1920 Football Drive series on YouTube this week. During one practice in the spring, Poles and Eberflus were spotted together discussing the team’s state. They talked about setting a high standard and ensuring it trickles down from the front office to the coaches and players. Once that happens, leaders will start to emerge.
Then the conversation shifted to Fields. Here it sounded as if they liked what they’d seen. He has found a workable routine and is already understanding the offense better. Offensive coordinator Luke Getsy and quarterbacks coach Andy Janocko have hounded him constantly about his footwork, timing, and rhythm. At the same time, Poles challenged Darnell Mooney and Cole Kmet to work extra hard on building their chemistry with Fields.
Ryan Poles and Matt Eberflus are in lockstep. That matters.
The two stated one of the reasons they were drawn to each other was they shared a similar vision of how a football team should be run. Seeing them deep in a discussion like that is undeniable proof of how in sync they are. Both understand what is required for this team to win and how much Fields has to do to improve. The quarterback appears to have bought in. Now it is a matter of letting the process play out. Trust the coaches to teach him correctly and keep building the roster simultaneously.
Chicago took a step in the right direction when Ryan Poles inked veteran Michael Schofield to a one-year deal. The Orland Park native started over 80 games in his NFL career and is the immediate favorite to start at right guard. He allowed 24 pressures on the quarterback in 2021 while playing for the Chargers. That is 16 fewer than James Daniels gave up.
Fields’ protection is finally starting to take shape.
As for the weaponry? That remains to be seen. Mooney is primed for a breakout season in 2022 as the top receiver on the team. Kmet’s progress last year was encouraging. If he can score more touchdowns while Byron Pringle and Velus Jones become viable secondary targets, this offense has a chance to surprise people. The two men at the top trust in their vision. That should carry the team forward.