Nobody can say for sure yet if Justin Fields will be a success in the NFL. What they can say is he absolutely looks the part. Through two preseason games, the 11th overall pick has flashed so much tantalizing talent for the Chicago Bears. His calm, his poise, his strong arm and accuracy, and of course his elite mobility. Sure, there have been some mistakes along the way but nothing out of the ordinary for a rookie.
If anything, Fields has helped to shine a light on a significant issue with this Bears organization. One that wasn’t really talked about enough. Mostly because people were so focused on the quarterback problem that it didn’t seem to matter as much. That being how generally weak the team is regarding their offensive personnel. Can anybody name a true blue chip talent on this offense that GM Ryan Pace has drafted? Allen Robinson is the only name that qualifies and he was a free agent.
Nobody else can make that claim.
In fact, when one takes an honest look at Pace’s work on the offensive side of the ball since he arrived in 2015? They will come away unimpressed. Here is the slate of wide receivers he’s drafted to this point. No true standouts and two notable draft busts.
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It doesn’t look much better with his work on the offensive line either. Since he arrived, Pace has drafted nine blockers. Only two have gone on to become regular starters thus far. Two never played a snap in Chicago and another has already undergone surgery before participating in a training camp practice.
It’s true Fields hasn’t played with the actual starters so far this year. Still, what people have seen the past two weeks is a reminder that Pace’s job is incomplete. He may have finally found his quarterback, but it won’t mean much if he can’t actually build around the kid.
Pace is in danger of letting things get worse for Justin Fields too
Robinson is poised to leave in free agency next year after the receiver and the Bears failed to reach terms on a contract extension. So it’s possible Fields might enter his pivotal second season without his best weapon. Darnell Mooney has lots of promise sure but he also has lots to still prove. Same with Cole Kmet at tight end. Combine this with an offensive line that remains a work in progress?
Pace is a smart guy but he’s also backed himself into a corner. Not only will the Bears have limited salary cap space in 2022, but also no 1st round pick. That will make upgrading the offensive roster more challenging. Especially if they do end up losing Robinson. It may require some sacrifices on the defensive side in order to free the necessary resources. No doubt it will sting in the short term, but Justin Fields has to take priority. He is your future.
Otherwise, the Bears may seek out somebody who can.
This 2021 season is going to be a significant evaluation period for the offense. The team feels they have their quarterback. There’s enough evidence to back it up. Now it’s about building his supporting cast. Every receiver, tight end, and blocker should be under the microscope. Whether Pace is the one looking through it? That depends on how the season unfolds.