Mike Martz Has Done A Complete 180 On Justin Fields
A few months ago, former Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz ruffled lots of feathers with his lukewarm assessment of Justin Fields. He wasn’t yet convinced the 23-year-old could be anything more than a kid that ran fast but couldn’t read defenses or play quarterback the right way. Through the first month of the season, his projections looked correct. Fields struggled to throw the ball with any consistency and survived only by running with the ball.
Things have changed since then. Fields morphed into a legitimate weapon over the past five games, amassing 1100 total yards, 11 touchdowns (8 through the air), and only two interceptions. His four-touchdown performance against the Miami Dolphins last Sunday was the best of his career. Martz himself reviewed it to see whether the buzz was worth it. A video posted by The 33rd Team with him narrating illustrates how significant the showing was. The coach doesn’t just sound intrigued. He sounds blown away.
Mike Martz knows football. Such statements like this matter.
He was a quarterbacks coach before becoming a coordinator and head coach. His efforts were a massive influence on the Hall of Fame career of Kurt Warner. It would also be wrong to deny he got the most out of Jay Cutler than any other coordinator the Bears employed between 2009 and 2016. So when he has such high praise for Fields, it shouldn’t be brushed off as typical mainstream media bluster. Those who know the man will say he never hands out compliments easily.
That should encourage Bears fans. If Fields can win over a guy like Mike Martz, he must be heading in the right direction. He’ll have a chance to build on his success Sunday against the hapless Detroit Lions. Their defense is among the worst in the NFL this year. If Fields gets solid protection, he’s in line for another productive afternoon. It would be a great way to continue building his confidence. One big subplot is how his connection with new wide receiver Chase Claypool develops.