LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) -- In the results-oriented business of football, coaches often point first at what their records and the numbers indicate. In evaluating his unit, Bears offensive coordinator Luke Getsy is taking a more nuanced approach.
The Bears enter the final week of the regular season ranking dead last in passing yardage while leading the NFL in rushing offense. Altogether, Chicago is 23rd in scoring and 28th in total offense. Getsy believes there's certainly a need for the Bears to have a more balanced attack, but he also explained the stark difference between the passing struggles and the rushing efficiency is simply what the team needed to be competitive on offense this season.
“I don’t look and see that we’re first in rushing, (and) I don’t’ look and see we’re last in passing,” Getsy said Thursday morning at Halas Hall. “I really don’t evaluate it each week like that. I think as the season ends, I begin to evaluate how we can grow as a team and where we need to go. That balance has to happen, yes. I think that to be sustainably good, you have to have more balance. That’s real. We know that. But we look at each individual on our team, and we say, 'What’s the best way for us to win a game?’ We’re going to take that approach every single week as long as I’m here.”
The Bears scuffled on offense to start the season, averaging 15.5 points in their first six games. They then had a midseason breakout, averaging 29.6 points in their next five games.
Second-year quarterback Justin Fields – who will be held out of the season finale Sunday due to a hip strain – completed 60.4% of his passes for 2,242 yards, 17 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He enjoyed great success in the rushing game, carrying 160 times for 1,143 yards and eight scores.
The Bears (3-13) host the Vikings (12-4) on Sunday at Soldier Field in their finale. Chicago will turn to backup Nathan Peterman at quarterback with Fields unable to play.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
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