The Bears used Justin Fields as a straight-up running back and it worked wonders

A toss-sweep to Fields broke third-and-1 for 31 yards. It also brought up questions about Fields’ risk management.

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.

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.

NFL fans took note.