Justin Fields has been pushing to play Sunday against the New York Jets. However, the Chicago Bears brass have carefully weighed the decision. While they admire his competitiveness, the organization knows what he means to their long-term future. They don’t want to play him at the risk of a more significant injury when it’s clear he isn’t 100%. Not when the team is 3-8 and facing a tough opponent on the road. Still, there was a small possibility Fields might play if things progressed well enough. It appears that isn’t the case, according to Adam Schefter.
The ESPN insider made it clear that Trevor Siemian is expected to start against the New York Jets. It is a smart play by the Bears. While everybody wants Fields to play, there is nothing to gain in this game. Sure, he needs all the experience he can get, but the risks far outweigh the rewards. He doesn’t have the offensive line to protect him nor the receivers to make life easier. It is likely he sits this week with the idea of returning at home against the Packers next Sunday. Either that or the Bears just sit him through the bye, giving him three weeks to recover.
Justin Fields’ absence should be educational.
Some Bears fans have griped about his lack of passing numbers over the past month. They think he’s relying too heavily on his legs. This game should offer a prime opportunity to see how a veteran like Siemian runs the offense. He has plenty of experience in this scheme. Maybe he’ll get the passing attack going more than Fields could, proving those fans correct. Or it’s possible Siemian will struggle, the Bears will barely score any points, and people will realize how many warts Fields covered up with his unique talents.
It should be an enlightening three hours of football. Justin Fields won’t enjoy it much from the bench. His competitive fire will undoubtedly eat at him. Still, this is for the best. He has proven he is franchise quarterback material. Forget the team record. That isn’t his fault. The Bears have averaged 29 points per game over the previous five weeks. If they had a defense that could stop anybody, this team would currently have a winning record. Next off-season will be about fortifying the roster around him.
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@footballatarlington Well that Claypool comment didn’t age well….
Hey Lambert,
I like the way you “adjust” the “+” and “-” votes, to suit your liking.
Take the job at Tiger Beat Magazine, already.
Looks like in 1 quarter of play Siemian already knows how to use Claypool.
“Next off-season will be about fortifying the roster around him.”
Maybe — maybe not.
Ryan Poles would sell his own.mother, for the extra cap space. And Justin Fields is going to expect $25 million PLUS in two years. That’s the only thing that has been “proven.”
Today’s game will be more than interesting.
Win Trevor gets sacked 15 times and the bears score 0 points and have less than 100 yards of total offense then see what people say