It’s been ten games for the Chicago Bears. Thanksgiving is around the corner. They undoubtedly had hoped they’d have a resolution on the Justin Fields question one way or the other by now. Alas, things are never that simple for this organization. After playing two outstanding games against Denver and Washington, Fields struggled against Minnesota at home before dislocating his thumb. He has since missed four games recovering. Nobody has a clue where he stands inside Halas Hall. The Bears remain adamant he is the starter, but beyond that, it is anybody’s guess.
Fields appears to have made some progress as a pocket passer. He hit throws in those two big performances last month that he didn’t last year. His processing speed and willingness to deliver in tight windows improved as well. However, other problems remain. He still holds the ball too long at times, taking unnecessary sacks. Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune revealed there is another sore spot for some inside Halas Hall. It is Fields’ remarkable inability to be more effective throwing outside of the play design.
“Through his first six starts this season, Fields was still taking way too many sacks with a concerning 12.9% sack rate. He has shown continued deficiencies with his field vision and ability to process and read defenses quickly.
Fields hasn’t exhibited a fourth-quarter clutch gene yet either.
Internally, the Bears also are waiting and hoping for the breakthrough when Fields can become a much more dangerous off-script passer.”
Justin Fields isn’t taking full advantage of his gifts.
Most mobile quarterbacks often have great success throwing the ball when they abandon the pocket. Yet when Fields does it, he either takes a simple dump-off pass or takes off running. He rarely hits any plays at the intermediate or deep level when it’s not clearly designed. One can understand why that can be frustrating. Few in the NFL are capable of escaping containment like Fields can. The fact he can’t take full advantage of it with his arm is one of the big reasons the Bears offense can be so frustrating to watch.
It’s just another part of what makes evaluating Justin Fields difficult. There are many things he can do well. Yet some key aspects of playing the quarterback position remain elusive to him. He can protect himself from unnecessary sacks, still doesn’t protect the ball well enough, and can’t take full advantage of his legs to buy time as a passer. Yet, for all of that, he’s still such a threat in other ways that getting rid of him isn’t a no-brainer decision. These final seven games are likely to settle the debate once and for all.
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