Justin Fields is feeling the pressure now. He almost never shows outward emotion with his comments on camera. That changed in a big way when he insinuated that coaching was part of why he has played too “robotic” through the first two weeks of the season. The Chicago Bears quarterback quickly tried to backtrack on those comments, but most experts agree what he said was from the heart. More than anything, they also agree that Fields is starting to feel the pressure to perform more than ever before.
He had convenient excuses through the first two seasons. Chicago had to change coaching staffs after 2021 and began rebuilding the roster. However, expectations stepped up when GM Ryan Poles infused the offense with more capable talent, headlined by wide receiver D.J. Moore. It was also Fields’ second year in the same system. Progress should only be natural. Well, it hasn’t come. If anything, the quarterback has looked even worse as a passer to start this season than he did for most of 2022.
Insider Jay Glazer of FOX Sports added another wrinkle to the situation. He made it clear the Bears are in no way committed to Fields long-term. In fact, that trade by Poles to secure the extra 1st round pick from Carolina was primarily driven by the desire to have ammunition to pursue a QB in 2024 if Fields didn’t improve.
The honeymoon is long over. Fans are tired of waiting for him to show signs that he can even be an average NFL passer, let alone a good one. The fact Chicago is already in the process of adjusting the offense to have him use his legs more often is out of necessity. He’s proven he can’t read the field fast enough to get the ball out on time. His accuracy and ball placement also haven’t been anywhere near consistent. There are 15 games left in the season. It may sound like a lot, but it isn’t. The clock is ticking fast.
People will blame the coaches, the protection, and the lack of weapons. Yes, the Bears haven’t done the best job in any of those areas. Yet the fact remains good quarterbacks still find a way to function in difficult circumstances. Justin Fields hasn’t done that, at least not as a passer. Most of the good performances he’s engineered have come from his outstanding ability as a scrambler. That is fun for highlights, but it doesn’t win you a lot of meaningful games. Fields is 5-22 as a starter. That ratio needs to start changing fast.
