Week 16 - Bears vs. Seahawks 3:05 PM

[UK]

As a proponent of Leftwich, Im drawn to several things...

 

1) His traits match the strengths of Fields and the offense. I think he's shown to extend defenses with a vertical attack combined with a heavy usage with 1 or more TEs. (Kmet might be the 2nd best receiver next year). Leftwich has adjusted his scheme for the strength of his QB but even with Rosen to Brady still was successful throwing deep. We obviously haven't seen any adjustments from Nagy whether it's been from Daniel to Fields. I also am impressed by the Bucs use of the screen.

 

2) I think there is value in being a leader, it's one of Fields' greatest traits in a similar manner that has followed Leftwich both as a player and coach.

 

3) Somewhat back to #1, Leftwich has been effective as a playcaller ranking top 5 in efficiency.

 

He's my 1st choice as previously stated, so I'm obviously biased.

 

One thing keeping Leftwich from being my top guy is I'm not sure who would be coming with him. For one, the guys I'd probably have ahead of him would potentially come with a GM candidate as well (McDaniels, Roman, Moore). Secondly, the Bucs have a really good coaching staff but a lot of their top guys are older. Their younger guys are mostly unproven, especially in terms of being coordinators or playcallers. And Leftwich has only really coached under the Arians tree so it's not like he can pull guys from his past connections, unless it's from his playing days (admittedly, I haven't looked into anyone he may have played with or for). So, you're potentially looking at a 1st time HC, who will likely also have calling plays on his plate. You may get an experienced OC as kind of like a mentor, but I'd imagine you'd also get a 1st time DC since I don't see Bowles coming with Leftwich to make a lateral move.

 

But I do love your 1st point, and it may be the most important when looking at the next candidate. Fields would be a fantastic fit with what Leftwich has shown he can do with an offense in the last 3-4 years.

 

It's my biggest drawback as well and should be one of the first questions asked.

 

As far as whether or not they should have a football guy at the top. Look at Chris Ballard and why the Bears picked Pace over him.