Three Week 14 NFL Plays to Watch Again, Including Justin Fields Playing for His Future With the Bear
The 49ers are a juggernaut; Justin Fields is playing for his career with the Bears; and the Browns might win a playoff game based solely on their defense.
This week, we’re looking at all three of those topics. First, it’s Fields trying to show he belongs as Chicago’s long-term starter, instead of being a trade chip come the offseason. Then, it’s Cleveland continuing to shut down one passing attack after the next, this time taking down Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars.
Finally, it’s San Francisco, Christian McCaffrey and its relentless offensive scheme taking down the Seahawks.
The talk around Chicago is what’s going to happen after this season. Will Fields have shown enough for the Bears to potentially pass on Caleb Williams or Drake Maye in the draft, or will Chicago have to take one of them, if given the opportunity?
On Sunday, Fields helped to make a case for himself in a 28–13 win over the Lions at Soldier Field. And the quarterback’s best play came on fourth-and-13 from Detroit’s 38-yard line, leading 19–13 with 1:36 remaining in the third quarter.
Almost assuredly, Chicago was looking to get the Lions to jump, putting it in better position for a field goal. And that’s exactly what the Bears got, as you can see below.
Fields understood the situation. The Bears snapped the ball, with the quarterback knowing he had a free play. Instead of going for a safe throw against man coverage, Fields immediately looked to the left boundary, where DJ Moore (No. 2) was covered by Jerry Jacobs (No. 23).
Jacobs is supposed to have help from Ifeatu Melifonwu (No. 6), but the safety got caught squatting on the crosser.
The key to Moore’s route was an outside release before clearing Jacobs to the inside (as can be seen above). Once that happened, Fields knew the only chance for Detroit to cover Moore was with Melifonwu squeezing down. Once he commits to the inside, it’s over.
The throw from Fields is perfect for a 38-yard touchdown. And while the ball was impressive, it was set up by a good hard count, an understanding of the defense and its principles, and an accurate pass.
