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.
Let’s get to business, beginning in the Windy City.
Justin Fields shows his smarts
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.
Screenshot from NFL+ all-22
A split second later, Aidan Hutchinson (No. 97) gets antsy …
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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.
Screenshot from NFL+ all-22
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.
Screenshot from NFL+ all-22
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.
Nice job by Justin Fields here, and a hell of a route by DJ Moore.
— Matt Verderame (@MattVerderame) December 12, 2023
Fields draws Detroit into the neutral zone, identifies the mismatch outside and launches.
Also, Moore runs a filthy route, breaking back inside, flattening and giving Fields the opportunity for a huge play.… pic.twitter.com/K9EJsycJl7
The Jaguars turn the ball over
After sustaining a high ankle sprain last Monday night against the Bengals, Lawrence willed himself on the field six days later to face the Browns. Cleveland, with its league-leading pass defense, posed a significant problem for Jacksonville.
In a 31–27 loss, Jacksonville’s problems were clear; it had four turnovers, including three interceptions from Lawrence.
Trailing 21–14 with 14:16 remaining in regulation, the Jaguars faced third-and-1 on their own 15-yard line. Cleveland showed an all-out blitz in Cover 0, not an uncommon occurrence under coordinator Jim Schwartz
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At this point, Lawrence knows he has man-to-man everywhere. He also knows seven rushers are coming, meaning he must throw quickly. The route combinations called for the Jaguars to have quick outs from the inside receivers, while the boundary wideouts were running go routes.
Screenshot from NFL+ all-22
Lawrence had time to work only one side of the field, deciding to look right. It was a smart decision, considering he had Calvin Ridley (No. 0) in a singled-up look against Greg Newsome Jr. (No. 0) without safety help. If Ridley had won, it’s possibly an 85-yard touchdown.
However, Ridley can’t stack Newsome or get on his inside shoulder. Instead, he leaks toward the boundary, effectively creating a double team.
Screenshot from NFL+ all-22
Instead of a big play (or at the very least, a 50-50 ball), Lawrence has no window. He threw the ball toward the field side of Newsome, creating a routine interception. The turnover led to a 28–14 lead for Cleveland, setting the Browns up for what became the winning touchdown.
The throw, in theory, wasn’t a bad decision—the breakdown happened in the execution. Ridley should have tried to win inside, knowing the field is wide open with only four men in coverage. Had Lawrence seen that, perhaps he would have put air under the ball toward the midfield logo, knowing Ridley could go get it.
I love how the Browns play pass defense. Aggressive, always challenging.
— Matt Verderame (@MattVerderame) December 12, 2023
Trevor Lawrence throws an INT here, but give credit to Greg Newsome, who has perfect coverage with no help whatsoever. pic.twitter.com/Jmuzs5chGT
The 49ers’ perfect blocking
Against the Seahawks, the 49ers were struggling. Trailing 10–7 in the second quarter, San Francisco’s first drive went for a touchdown but was followed with two punts and an interception.
To retake the lead, the Niners relied on their stars, with all 83 yards of a five-play drive coming from Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk and McCaffrey. Then on first-and-10 from San Francisco’s 27-yard line, the Niners went to McCaffrey on an outside toss.
Before the snap, San Francisco was showing 12 personnel with two tight ends and a balanced, condensed look. McCaffrey was in the backfield behind Brock Purdy, aligned in the pistol formation. Seattle was in zone defense, with eight in the box.
Screenshot from NFL+ all-22
On the snap, George Kittle (No. 85) pulled across the formation. McCaffrey followed closely behind the league’s best blocking tight end, while the line sealed off pursuit from the back side.
Reserve tight end Charlie Woerner (No. 89) got an excellent reach block on Seattle’s Darrell Taylor (No. 52), while future Hall of Fame left tackle Trent Williams (No. 71) shoved Jordyn Brooks (No. 56) behind the play. Finally, check out center Jake Brendel (No. 64), who reached and then pancaked defensive tackle Jarran Reed (No. 90).
Screenshot from NFL+ all-22
The final two blocks came from Kittle erasing corner Riq Woolen (No. 27), while Aiyuk buried safety Julian Love (No. 20). McCaffrey got 20 yards before being pushed out of bounds, helping continue a drive that put San Francisco ahead for good.
Screenshot from NFL+ all-22
While McCaffrey deserves praise for his rush, this play is a perfect illustration of why the Niners are so tough to deal with. Both Kittle and Aiyuk threw fantastic blocks, while the offensive line created a massive lane, setting up San Francisco for success.
The Niners are a machine. Look at this blocking, not just from the line, but Aiyuk and Kittle.
— Matt Verderame (@MattVerderame) December 12, 2023
And on top of it all, Christian McCaffrey with a full head of steam. pic.twitter.com/pp2HRTp75H
