All one can do is feel bad for Justin Fields at this point. The kid has played with such toughness and grit this year. There have been several flashes of the talent that made him so exciting as a 1st round pick. This was true again on Sunday night in Green Bay. The rookie, in his first start back after suffering three cracked ribs, threw for 224 yards and two touchdowns. He also led the Chicago Bears in rushing with 74 yards.
He once again did more than enough to win a game but it ended up not mattering. Everything about this Bears team around him is brutal. The defense has fallen apart due to injuries. The offensive line now has two rookie tackles protecting him, one of which got beat on a play that led to a strip-sack. Last but not least, his “weapons” continue to drop the football and not make enough plays for him. Cole Kmet let one go through his hands in the end zone. Darnell Mooney failed to corral another that led to an interception that ended the game.
In spite of all this, Fields keeps finding ways to make things happen.
Justin Fields was effective under pressure and using his legs in the #Bears 45-30 loss to the Packers.
Under Pressure
🔸 8/17, 122 yards (most by a rookie this season)
Scrambles
🔸 7 carries, 71 rushing yards, 4 first downs
🔸 +28 RYOE#CHIvsGB | #DaBears pic.twitter.com/GZePKsulI4— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) December 13, 2021
Justin Fields has gained +93 rushing yards over expected on scrambles this season, trailing only Josh Allen (+110) and Lamar Jackson (+152).#CHIvsGB | #DaBears
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) December 13, 2021
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There really isn’t much else to say. People will continue to jump on the kid for his mistakes. That is fair. It comes with playing quarterback in the NFL. The turnovers are something he must learn to curtail. As must most rookies. However, anybody with common sense should see that he is not the problem with this offense. The laughable offensive system coupled with a group of wide receivers and tight ends that aren’t good enough is something the next regime has to fix.
The hope is Justin Fields can survive long enough to reach that point. He’s already taken a rough beating this year. Nobody disputes his toughness but the human body can only take so much. At some point will his mind grow weary of the hits and he’ll start hearing footsteps in the pocket? It happens to many young quarterbacks. This is why the coming offseason is so pivotal.
Every resource the Bears have must be devoted to making his situation as favorable as possible. Even if that means sacrificing the defense as a result. The old ways don’t work anymore. It’s time to go all-in on this kid.
