Bears Film Study tackles the QB dilemma

The Justin Fields vs. Caleb Williams debate is raging already, and last week's game against Arizona included some opportunities to evaluate Fields' progress. So let's check the film.

The very first play from scrimmage demonstrated Fields' unique ability to affect a defense. Khalil Herbert burst up the middle for 13 yards on the play. The blocking was decent, but Fields was a difference-maker.

Cardinals linebacker Krys Barnes was standing in the hole and should have made the tackle, but his eyes were locked on Fields. After the handoff Barnes took three steps to his left, following Fields and moving away from where Herbert was headed.

That first drive ended with a third-and-2 incomplete pass where Fields was a bit too casual. The Bears ran a predictable out pattern to Cole Kmet. It was open, but the Cardinals saw it coming and Fields' throw needed to be perfect. Instead, he was about a second late with the release and safety Jalen Thomson dived in front and deflected the ball.

To start the second drive, the Bears went with an old favorite – the slow-developing deep routes with no obvious check-down option. Plus, the Cardinals had a spy to prevent Fields from running. So after rolling out, he decided to heave it deep to give Kmet a chance, and it worked. Fields launched a catchable pass and Kmet won the 1-on-1 matchup for a 53-yard gain. This is nice progress for Fields because he overcame the natural tendencies to take off and run or avoid a risky throw.

Fields finished that drive by scrambling for a touchdown. His running ability was vital again, because with D.J. Moore hobbled and Bears running basic pass patterns, no one was open in the end zone.

Fields produced the Bears' third touchdown by hitting Kmet for 29 yards off the play-action bootleg. Defenses have been scheming to stop this play, but this time it worked because it was preceded by three runs for 13 yards.

The touchdown to Marcedes Lewis was another Fields creation, as he scrambled, had defenders thinking run, and they lost track of the tight end.

A few more notable plays happened early in the fourth quarter. Fields threw deep and incomplete to a well-covered Velus Jones when a short throw to Roschon Johnson would have been a better idea. Then on third-and-10 with no one open, Fields made three defenders miss on the way to a 39-yard scramble.

The next play was an interception, a decent throw to Herbert and an even better defensive play by Thompson, who came off Robert Tonyan to retreat toward the end zone and make an over-the-shoulder pick. The maddening thing about this play was Tonyan went in motion toward the play side, while Thompson followed him, running behind his linebackers. So Thompson was already giving heavy cushion when the ball was snapped. Play design was definitely an issue here.

Receivers matter:

So what should the Bears do about the quarterback spot? Keep in mind, there's no guarantee Williams will be better than Fields. You can study measurables until the next conference realignment, being a good NFL QB still comes down to the ability to process a dozen factors quickly, make a split-second decision on where to throw, then put the ball exactly where it needs to go.

Fields needs to improve in that area, but he does plenty of things well and, as we all know, his running talent is elite. If the Bears can get a first-round pick in a trade for Fields, then maybe it makes sense. If not, don't bother.

The 2024 draft will be a great chance to add an elite receiver, whether it's Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabors, Rome Odunze or someone else. It's also a good year for edge rushers and cornerbacks, which would be a huge add to an improving defense.

Also never forget: Receivers make the quarterback, not the other way around. The best QBs right now, be it Jalen Hurts, Brock Purdy, Tua Tagovailoa, Josh Allen, all have multiple strong receivers. Lamar Jackson added a couple weapons this year, while Patrick Mahomes is beginning to struggle without a dominant WR to complement Travis Kelce.

Driving the run game:

The Bears' season-high 250 rushing yards speaks for itself, and quality of opponent is obviously a factor. But this felt like a welcome-back game for left guard Cody Whitehair, who has struggled to match his excellent form of 2018 but played very well against Arizona.

Twitter: @McGrawDHSports