Justin Fields played the best game of the 2022 season by a wide margin on Sunday in Minnesota. He finished 15-of-21 for 208 yards, a touchdown pass, and 47 rushing yards on eight carries. He was the best player on the field for Chicago Bears, offensively or defensively. His playmaking skills enabled them to overcome a 21-3 deficit in the first half to take a 22-21 lead in the 4th quarter. Sadly a defensive breakdown and Ihmir Smith-Marsette’s fumble ruined it.
What stood out the most about Fields was how poised he was. For the first time, it felt like his head wasn’t swimming. He seemed in control, making the right reads and sound decisions. It was a continuation of last week against the Giants, except he got considerably better protection from the offensive line this time. It showed in the numbers. That game showed many that the young quarterback might finally be figuring out the speed of the NFL. His quote afterward was even further confirmation.
Justin Fields finally understands the processing speed.
Too often, through his first months in the NFL, it felt like he was pressing too much. He’d rush his reads or choose to run too soon. Too often, he’d also not take some of the easier throws the defense gave him. It led many to wonder if the game was too fast for him. Based on those comments, it sounds like he wasn’t letting himself relax. He was so concerned about the opponent’s rhythm that he didn’t focus on his own business.
Once he started figuring that out last week, he immediately started playing better. Playing that well on the road against a good team is very encouraging. That he was able to do it with a mediocre supporting cast makes it even better. It was the first indication the Bears might have the right guy at quarterback. All they have to do is get stronger talent around him. There is a long way to go. He has several stiff tests ahead of him in the coming weeks.
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Still, it was nice to see him take a legitimate step forward.
