Justin Fields played on arguably the worst roster in the NFL this past season. That was especially true on offense. His offensive line was weak at multiple spots and couldn’t stay healthy. The receivers weren’t much better. Outside of Darnell Mooney, nobody made a notable impact. Yet despite that, Fields still improved. His passing efficiency went up from the low 60s to the mid-80s in rating. He also casually turned in the second-best rushing performance in a single season the league has ever seen (1,143 yards).
In that context, it’s hard to understand why rumors persist about the Bears making a change at quarterback. Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles has stated the plan remains for Fields to start, but the team is still evaluating every QB in the 2023 draft class. Some analysts and insiders believe there is a possibility they make a change. Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune decided to get opinions from people inside the league. One summed up the impression Fields made last season. It sounds like his reputation is creating some fear.
“No one wants to play against that kid. I can tell you that much,” one league executive said. “And if you have him, I can only imagine how much it would stimulate your own imagination for what’s possible. He’s pretty damn talented.”
The real fear comes from what follows. What happens if Fields figures out how to play from the pocket as a passer? Then there is literally nothing defenses can do to stop him. The exec believes the key isn’t any physical limitation. It’s all mental. He’s not playing the chess match.
“He does a lot of the big things really well. Now figure out the simple,” the exec said. “Do the simple things regularly. Just hit the (bleeping) check-down every now and then. Don’t try to make every play a highlight.”
He’s already proven the NFL isn’t too big for him. The opponent’s caliber didn’t matter last season. Whether it was an eventual Super Bowl participant like Philadelphia or a bottom dweller like Atlanta, the quarterback made plays. His next step is learning how to overcome their last remaining strategy to stop him. That involves containing him inside the pocket. To do this, he must learn to trust the process of a play. If his primary reads aren’t available, find the checkdown. Don’t be afraid to throw into tight windows. Trust the timing and rhythm of his feet.
There were signs of him figuring it out last season. His game against Green Bay in December was one example. He completed 80% of his passes for 254 yards and also ran for 71. That was against the 6th-best pass defense in the NFL. It isn’t unreasonable to think that better protection, more weapons, and another year in the same offensive system will yield bigger results for Justin Fields in 2023. The rest of the league hopes not. They want no part of the player he would be if that happens.
