There were multiple reasons why Lucas Patrick decided to join the Chicago Bears. First was the opportunity. After serving as a primary backup and spot starter in Green Bay, this was his genuine chance to become a legitimate full-time starter. The fact he’d be able to stay in the same division while also working under a coach he knows in Luke Getsy (former Packers passing game coordinator) made the decision easier. However, the new center also indicated Justin Fields was a big reason too.
When asked about the second-year quarterback, Patrick sounded like somebody more than a little intrigued. He admitted to feeling some excitement when he first saw Fields work against the Packers in their meeting at Soldier Field last season. That offered him an idea of how exciting a talent the rookie was, but also how genuinely tough he was too. If he could make things happen despite shaky protection, imagine what he might accomplish if kept clean.
It is easy to understand why. Last season, there were tons of flashes of what Justin Fields could do from a clean pocket. Rewatch his game against the Detroit Lions. The skies were raining footballs and he attacked relentlessly. This quarterback is most deadly when he is allowed to strike deep. For that to work, it requires an offensive line that functions at a high level in pass protection.
Chicago hasn’t had one like that in years. Patrick believes he can be the first step in achieving that goal. Despite playing multiple spots up front last season, he only allowed 21 pressures on the quarterback. His mix of athleticism, nastiness, and intelligence will be most welcome in the middle of that line. He’ll also help others understand why fights might break out if anybody touches his QB. It isn’t hard to see why GM Ryan Poles liked him. Fields will too.
