Four games into the 2022 season, there were legitimate questions about Justin Fields. It’s easy to understand why. The young quarterback completed 50.75% of his passes for 471 yards, two touchdowns, four interceptions, and a 58.7 passer rating. People started to fear he may never take a step forward. As is often the case, sometimes a little patience can pay off. The Chicago Bears never expressed doubt in their quarterback. They saw signs of progress. It was a matter of helping Fields work through it.
After a strong performance in New England last Monday night, the 23-year-old had arguably his best game as a Bear. Despite facing the #4 pass defense in the NFL, Fields went 17-of-23 for 151 yards, two touchdowns, and a 120.0 passer rating. He also ran for 60 yards and another touchdown. Dallas had few answers for him whenever he got even modest protection. He has now gone 59-of-92 for 728 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions in the past four games. That is good for a 93.03 passer rating.
The Bears offense has scored 62 points in that span.
First TD as a Bear for @NkealHarry15 🙌
📺: #CHIvsDAL on FOX pic.twitter.com/Gt3siJAKe4
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) October 30, 2022
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.@justnfields lobs it up for @Darnell_M1 and #DaBears keep it moving!
📺: #CHIvsDAL on FOX
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/QMxVpZl61r pic.twitter.com/txPoPez3DA— NFL (@NFL) October 30, 2022
.@justnfields ➡️ @ColeKmet for 6!
📺: #CHIvsDAL on FOX pic.twitter.com/KypoGuKyYc
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) October 30, 2022
Chicago Bears are seeing Fields carry the offense.
Keep that in mind. Equanimeous St. Brown, Dante Pettis, Cole Kmet, and Sam Mustipher aren’t starters on almost every other team in the NFL. The Bears sorely lack offensive talent. Yet Fields just averaged over 30 points against two of the best, most well-coached defenses in the league. That is a testament to how gifted he is as a player, but more importantly, how much more poised and decisive he’s getting. His decision-making is so much better than it was a month ago. He doesn’t look flustered even as he keeps dealing with high-pressure rates.
GM Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus expressed the belief that Justin Fields could be their guy. Now he’s rewarding that patience. They know what the goal is now. Next spring must be geared around infusing the offense with as much talent as possible. The offensive line, wide receivers, and tight ends need help. They have the resources. Likely a top 10 draft pick. Over $120 million in cap space. There is no excuse for this team not to find their young signal-caller some legitimate reinforcements.
