Plenty of people are down on Justin Fields these days. After what happened during his rookie season and a somewhat underwhelming 2022 off-season, the belief is the former 11th overall pick is destined for another rough year. Some have predicted he’ll lead the league in interceptions. Some fear the Chicago Bears are ruining him. His chances for success in the NFL are all but gone. Not everybody is so pessimistic. Jason Peters is one of them.
The future Hall of Fame left tackle spent last season with the Bears. He had a front-row seat for Fields’ arrival in the starting lineup and the subsequent mayhem. Remember, this guy played with Pro Bowlers like Donovan McNabb and Carson Wentz. He has seen what the good QBs look like. After seeing Fields last year, one would think he’d have a low opinion of the kid. That doesn’t seem to be the case. Peters says it may take some time, but if the Bears can get their offensive line figured out, there is no doubt Fields can be special in his mind. He said so on SiriusXM NFL Radio.
Jason Peters knows what he is talking about.
Fields did improve over the course of last season. His passer rating when from 64 to 84 between the first and second halves of the ten games he started. That is a significant improvement. It also probably isn’t a coincidence that Fields had some of his best games when the offensive line blocked well.
- Pittsburgh: 291 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT (9 pressures allowed)
- Las Vegas: 111 yards, 1 TD, 0 INTs (5 pressures allowed)
- Minnesota: 285 yards, 1 TD, 0 INTs (15 pressures allowed)
Those aren’t otherworldly numbers, but they were the most efficient games Fields played. Jason Peters is correct. When the guy is protected, he makes plays. The Bears beat Vegas (a playoff team), should’ve beaten Pittsburgh (robbed by the refs), and had more total offensive yards than Minnesota. Unfortunately, some atrocious 4th down calls in the second half ruined it.
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The offensive line is the biggest question mark for the Bears right now. Three out of five positions are uncertain going into training camp. Offensive coordinator Luke Getsy and offensive line coach Chris Morgan have serious work to do. Even modest improvement from last year could be huge for Fields’ development.
Peters is an all time great. Too bad he’s not going into the HOF as a Bear. Wish they would bring him to camp to teach techniques to our tackles. Smart, tough, classy and hard working competitor. Have to hope some of our young OT’s turn out like Peters.
I’d still like to see another Guard brought in to compete for the RG spot.
The offensive line and the system are the keys. I am not worried about the receivers, yet!!!