Chicago Bears try to end multiple losing streaks in Week 17 vs Lions

Let Fields throw more

Yes, I know I just said the Chicago Bears need to establish their running dominance. However, if they get that running game going early on, the Lions will have no choice but to stack the box to try to stop the run.

When that happens, the Bears need to let Fields rip.

In his press conference on Monday, reporters asked about an apparent injury Fields suffered late in the game last week. Head coach Matt Eberflus said that it was just that he got stepped on and that he was ready to go this week.

Reporters then asked if there were any thoughts about shutting Fields down for the rest of the season. Eberflus said absolutely not. There were no thoughts on doing that. He went on to say that they wanted him to continue so he could learn more.

Well, we already know he can run the ball. What he needs to improve on is his passing. Of course, he has improved a great deal since Week 1. In the first four weeks, he completed just 51.1 percent of his passes. In his last four games, though, he has completed 71 percent.

If he is there to get some work and improve, then the coaches have to let him throw more. Yes, he had a bad wide receivers corps to start the season, and then injuries have made it even worse, but the team has to see him make the throws needed to succeed. Whether the receivers drop it or not is another question that will be answered after the season.

This is a bad Lions defense. In addition to ranking near the bottom against the run, this unit is near the bottom against the pass. They rank 30th in passing yards allowed, 25th in passing touchdowns allowed, and 21st in interceptions.

There is nothing left for the Chicago Bears but the development of the players. Let Fields show he can make the passes needed to win games.