Throughout Chicago Bears history, one thing has always been true. If the defense couldn’t stop the opponent, the team would lose and lose badly. The offense was never up to the task of keeping them in games. Playing from behind was impossible. The only way teams can do that is with good quarterbacks. Chicago has never had one. As incredible as it sounds, that appears to have changed. Justin Fields has played well for almost a month now, but Sunday against the Miami Dolphins was his coming-out party.
The second-year quarterback put the team on his shoulders and carried them to their highest offensive output of the season. They scored 32 points, and Fields led the way with three touchdown passes and an electric 61-yard touchdown run. He finished with 178 yards rushing, the most ever in a regular season game for a quarterback. Sadly, he couldn’t complete the comeback thanks to a non-call by refs on a clear pass interference, followed by a brutal drop by Equanimeous St. Brown on 4th and 10.
That shouldn’t dampen the enthusiasm. It looks like Chicago finally has its quarterback. A bright future lay ahead.
.@justnfields hits @ColeKmet for 6 🎯
📺: #MIAvsCHI on CBS pic.twitter.com/mEyL8qovXp
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) November 6, 2022
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What a throw, what a catch 😮💨
📺: #MIAvsCHI on CBS pic.twitter.com/jk85daIkRS
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) November 6, 2022
JUSTIN. FREAKING. FIELDS.
📺: #MIAvsCHI on CBS pic.twitter.com/jFMAg0BeH7
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) November 6, 2022
Great weekend for @NDFootball fans
📺: #MIAvsCHI on CBS pic.twitter.com/7QlBPC3sON
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) November 6, 2022
Justin Fields still needs more help.
That St. Brown drop perfectly encapsulates why Ryan Poles traded for Chase Claypool at the deadline. The Bears sorely need more offensive weapons. Thankfully it appears Darnell Mooney and Cole Kmet are coming along. Even so, this offense lacks a genuine superstar playmaker. Maybe Claypool will morph into that guy once he gets settled, but until then the team cannot stop adding help. The good news is they’re well-positioned to do so.
One silver lining from the loss is the Bears are now in position to secure a top 10 pick in the 2023 draft. They have eight picks overall and over $100 million in salary cap space. Poles should be able to get Justin Fields lots more help. The fact he’s doing what he is doing right now with an average-at-best supporting cast speaks volumes. There is no telling how high this team could go if they can surround him with studs.
One thing is for sure. The rest of the NFC doesn’t want to find out.
