Justin Fields isn’t putting up eye-popping numbers. For many, that is the only way to know for sure whether a quarterback is improving or not. However, others believe the truth can often run deeper. His 208 yards passing, one touchdown, and 47 yards rushing in Minnesota doesn’t sound impressive. However, a closer look at the film showed a young quarterback playing the most efficient game of his young career. It was enough even to impress some of his critics.
Mark Schofield of SB Nation hasn’t been shy about needling Fields for his struggles over the past year. He’s advised Chicago Bears fans to prepare themselves for the possibility another high pick won’t work out. Now, after watching last Sunday in Minnesota, it sounds like he’s having second thoughts. His reasoning is relatively simple. Fields showed something in that game he hasn’t before. It is something only good quarterbacks tend to exhibit in the NFL.
It all comes down to trust.
“Is this just a two-week mirage, or has Fields actually turned a corner? To try and answer that we turn to the film. In Chicago’s Week 4 loss to the New York Giants, Fields connected on 11 of 22 passes for 174 yards, and added another 52 yards on 7 rushing attempts. Not exactly prodigious production, but studying him from that game shows signs of something that was missing the first three weeks.
Trust. Trust in himself, and trust in those around him…
…Last week against the Minnesota Vikings, Fields posted his most efficient day of the season, completing 15 of 21 passes for 208 yards and a touchdown. He added another 47 rushing yards, which does not include a long touchdown run called back due to a penalty.
Beyond the production, we saw more examples of Fields trusting in himself, and in those around him. On this highlight-reel connection with Mooney, Fields again trusts his receiver to win downfield, and Mooney does with perhaps the Catch of the Year:”
Justin Fields has also learned to center himself.
One of the problems he admitted to having was getting too keyed up during games. That overexcitement would lead to mistakes. He had to find a way to keep himself calm during the action. So he took advice from a yoga instructor on how to adjust his breathing. He claims the new technique he employs during games played a big factor in his newfound calm and overall stamina. Whatever the changes are, they seem to be working.
His command of the new scheme is noticeable. He’s adjusting his protections well and seems to have a better line of communication with his receivers. There are still obvious talent deficiencies in the Bears’ offense. Those can’t be fixed until next off-season. Until then, the goal is building efficiency. Justin Fields is doing that. There will be more down games to come. That is inevitable. Still, Schofield is correct. He’s trending in the right direction.
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