Justin Fields had one of the best games of his career the last time he faced the Detroit Lions. While his Chicago Bears failed to pull out a victory — a small blessing, given the team’s lost season and need for draft value — Fields absolutely torched the Detroit defense for 147 yards and a career-best two rushing touchdowns on only 13 carries.
This created some intrigue for Week 17’s rematch in Michigan. Would the Lions, in search of a playoff bid and in the midst of a 6-2 run, be able to tame Fields? Would the second-year quarterback be pressed into action on the ground and risk injury in what’s effectively a meaningless game?
Offensive coordinator Luke Getsy provided answers to both questions on the Bears’ opening drive. By motioning tight end Cole Kmet behind center, then having his makeshift quarterback toss the ball back to his starter for a sweep that gained 31 yards.
lol toss sweep *to* Justin Fields for 31 yards pic.twitter.com/HYbfjSfJaH
— Christian D'Andrea (@TrainIsland) January 1, 2023
It was an interesting wrinkle in a league where pre-snap motion in short yardage situations has often led to sneaks under center. Instead, Fields got to play running back and ripped off a big chunk of yardage in the process.
One drive later — and after Fields exploded for a 60-yard scramble — Getsy put Fields at running back again. This time, he was a play-fake decoy who helped wildcat QB David Montgomery gain six yards.
ok now the Bears are using Justin Fields as a running back to set up wildcat play-fakes and it's working pic.twitter.com/wnZxRNCPaZ
— Christian D'Andrea (@TrainIsland) January 1, 2023
NFL fans took note.
luke getsy is good, sorry https://t.co/Z0IfYaP0mC
— Robert🎅🏻🎄⛄️ (@RobertZeglinski) January 1, 2023
Cool play design by Luke Getsy on the Kmet pitch to Fields. Bears pay it off with a touchdown a few plays later.
— Josh Schrock (@Schrock_And_Awe) January 1, 2023
RB Justin Fields pic.twitter.com/sSoOqCZKB9
— Billy M (@BillyM_91) January 1, 2023
Love how this was set up off of the Kmet sneak weeks ago.
— Mike (@MikeTalksBears) January 1, 2023
Using your franchise QB as a running back when your out of playoff contention…. https://t.co/j8qXADY7lo
— Jay Moore (@JayMooreNFL) January 1, 2023
Eagles might need to borrow this https://t.co/JdBOwHXwKL
— Roy Burton (@TheBSLine) January 1, 2023
A GREAT wrinkle to the TE sneak design/trend https://t.co/FvCFCN1Kpr
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) January 1, 2023
a true sicko play design https://t.co/ayqMqSAgM1
— Hayden Winks (@HaydenWinks) January 1, 2023
this man in insane https://t.co/8KVpNpkI2U
— abby 🐻 (@CHlCAG0BEARS) January 1, 2023
Putting ya franchise qb on a toss is crazy https://t.co/yv9fOGW3rd
— WahGwan (@Seen_Better) January 1, 2023
Real football https://t.co/pCWGAjwnbG
— . (@GroovyBenji_14) January 1, 2023
I’m never going to beat the Fields is a RB allegations now 💔💔💔 https://t.co/QBfX7hAbO7
— Jose (@itsMexii_) January 1, 2023
