It was quite an eventful day for the Chicago Bears at Halas Hall on Wednesday, where a season’s worth of headlines seemed to cram itself into one week.
Whether it was roster moves, a surprise resignation or Justin Fields making headlines for all the wrong reasons, the Bears were the focus of the NFL world on Wednesday. It was like watching a dumpster fire — you simply couldn’t look away, waiting for the next thing to happen.
Buy Bears TicketsIn case you missed the action, here’s a breakdown of everything that went down at Halas Hall on an eventful Wednesday:
Justin Fields makes headlines with coach comments
Fields got brutally honest with the Chicago media on Wednesday, where he was self-reflective in his assessment of his play through these first two games. He admitted that he felt “robotic” against the Buccaneers, where he didn’t feel like he was playing his game. He admitted that he needs to think less and use his instincts.
“I felt like I was playing robotic,” Fields said. “My goal this week is to say F it and just play football. That’s when I play my best when I am out there playing free. I am going to go out there and be me.”
When asked about why he thought he was “robotic,” Fields admitted that he was harping on the different voices in his head come game time instead of just going out there and playing.
“You know, could be coaching I think,” Fields said. “At the end of the day, they are doing their job when they are giving me what to look at, but at the end of the day, I can’t be thinking about that when the game comes. I prepare myself throughout the week and then when the game comes, it’s time to play free at that point. Thinking less and playing more.”
Fields later called a second press conference to clarify his comments — or one in particular.
“I’m not blaming anything on the coaches,” Fields said. “I’m never going to blame anything on the coaches, never going to blame anything on my teammates. Whatever happens in the game, I will take all the blame. I don’t care if it’s a dropped pass…put it on me.”
Alan Williams resigns as defensive coordinator
Williams resigned as defensive coordinator of the Chicago Bears on Wednesday, which was easily the biggest news of the day.
According to Williams’ official statement, he’s stepping back “to take care of my health and family.”
There’s been plenty of rumors and speculation circulating about Williams’ absence since last week’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Williams’ personal attorney told 670 the Score that “there’s absolutely no criminal activity” tied to Williams’ resignation.
“There’s absolutely no criminal activity,” Stroth said. “There’s no criminal allegations. There’s been no raid on Halas Hall. None of that is true – unequivocally, (those rumors are) untrue … There’s no legal actions being taken against coach Williams.
“Coach Williams has a health challenge and he has some personal family matters, and he has decided with his family that he’s going to step away … With much respect to the Chicago Bears, he decided to take a step back.”
Now, the Bears need to find a new defensive coordinator. Until then, Eberflus will continue to call plays, as he did against the Buccaneers last Sunday.
Braxton Jones placed on injured reserve
The Bears’ injury woes continued along the offensive line as the team lost starting left tackle Braxton Jones, who was placed on injured reserve with a neck injury.
Jones will miss a minimum of four games, including matchups against the Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos, Washington Commanders and Minnesota Vikings. He’ll be eligible to return in Week 7 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Head coach Matt Eberflus didn’t rule out the potential that it could be a season-ending injury, saying: “We’ll see where it is.”
It’s another brutal blow for a Chicago offensive line already without starting left guard Teven Jenkins, who was placed on IR at the start of the 2023 season.
With Jones now sidelined, the expectation is it’ll be former starter Larry Borom getting the nod at left tackle. Although Eberflus also mentioned giving Ja’Tyre Carter a look.
Nathan Peterman released
After Williams resigned as defensive coordinator, the Bears decided to part ways with quarterback Nathan Peterman, who had been serving as Fields’ backup for the first two games this season.
You know what that means: It’s Tyson Bagent time.
Bagent, the undrafted rookie out of Division II Shepherd, will serve as Fields’ backup heading into Week 3. And, if things get too out of hand, there’s always a chance we could see Bagent in garbage time.
Ryan Poles celebrates his 38th birthday
Did I mention that all of this happened on general manager Ryan Poles’ 38th birthday?
Poor Ryan Poles. Well, it’s certainly a birthday he’ll remember.
