The Chicago Bears can’t put any blame on Justin Fields for what happened in Atlanta. They were only in the game because of another herculean effort by the young quarterback. It was a performance that left him exhausted and beat up by the end after taking way too many hits, including four sacks. His big moment came halfway through the 4th quarter when he led a gritty 13-play drive that covered 75 yards. Fields converted four 3rd downs along the way, tying the score 24-24. The unfortunate part is his teammates once again failed to pick up the slack.
The defense allowed Atlanta to go on a long drive, draining over six minutes off the clock. They regained the lead on a field goal. Then things got worse when Luke Getsy capped his worse play-calling performance of the year with an ugly sequence on the Bears’ final drive. It included two designed runs by Fields despite the quarterback already being hurt. Then he called a play that led to a checkdown. Fields made the right read to David Montgomery on what would’ve been a 1st down. While the throw was a little high, it went right through Montgomery’s hands, leading to the game-ending interception.
Fields finished 14-of-21 for 153 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, and 85 yards rushing.
Justin Fields can’t do everything himself.
People are already getting on him about not being able to finish games. They conveniently ignore other facts. This game marked the fourth time since week five that the defense gave up a score to give the opponent the lead. Then it’s the inability of his offensive teammates to execute. Ihmir Smith-Marsette fumbling against Minnesota. Darnell Mooney and Dante Pettis failing to secure two throws that would’ve been game-winning touchdowns against Washington. Equanimeous St. Brown dropping an easy pass on 4th down against Miami. Now it’s Montgomery letting a catchable ball go through his hands.
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It’d be one thing if Justin Fields were crapping the bed each week. That’d make the criticism understandable. Not in this case. The only reason the Bears have been in any of these games is because of him. To place blame on his shoulders for these losses is beyond absurd. It’s okay to say he must keep improving with his two-minutes drills. The thing is, his coaching staff and teammates need way more work than he does. This kid deserves way better than he has gotten this season.
