It is fair to criticize the Chicago Bears for their choices at quarterback over the years. That said, it was more than one position that led to such failures. When it comes to developing young QBs, it is just as much about the weaponry around them that can determine success. In this regard, the Bears haven’t done that much better. All one has to do is look at the array of receivers each of their 1st round picks had during their “best” passing seasons in Chicago. Then wonder if Justin Fields is in capable hands.
Jim McMahon
- Willie Gault
- Dennis McKinnon
- Ken Margerum
Cade McNown
- Marcus Robinson
- Marty Booker
- Eddie Kennison
Rex Grossman
- Muhsin Muhammad
- Bernard Berrian
- Rashied Davis
Mitch Trubisky
- Allen Robinson
- Taylor Gabriel
- Anthony Miller
Now, this isn’t a list of complete scrubs. There were some good receivers in that bunch. Particularly the two Robinsons and Booker. Yet by and large, it’s a list of role players and disappointments. No stars. Nobody that fans and experts would instantly say is a top 6-7 player at his position in the league. Somebody that is an obvious safety valve for a young quarterback.
If the Bears are going to get Fields off the ground in 2022, they must work harder to give him credible options. Right now they don’t have enough and it shows way too often on Sundays. Sure the coaching has a lot to do with it, but at some point, guys need to win their one-on-one battles. Darnell Mooney is the only one this season that has done it consistently.
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Look at guys like Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, and Kyler Murray. All of them are undeniably talented. Yet their emergence as top passers in the NFL didn’t happen by accident. They’re all surrounded by All-Pro talent at wide receiver.
Justin Fields is talented but still just one man
The common saying that people love about great quarterbacks is they elevate the offense around them. While true, it’s also a bit misleading. Elite quarterbacks are still only as good as the pieces around them. Think about Aaron Rodgers without Davante Adams. Tom Brady without Mike Evans. Josh Allen without Stefon Diggs. Dak Prescott without Amari Cooper. Still good players but not quite as effective.
If the Bears want Justin Fields to elevate this team, it’s their responsibility to give him the weapons required. Mooney is a decent start but nobody can be fooled into thinking he is a #1 receiver. Robinson is likely leaving this offseason. So there is a lot of work to do. Both free agency and the draft must be explored for options. With enough time and resources expended, they should be able to set their young QB up for success.
Then again, they’ve been down this road before.
History says this personnel department struggles at identifying top-tier receiving talent. Especially in the draft. They get lucky sometimes with guys like Mooney but their biggest attempts in recent years have fallen flat. That is another trend they need to change. It will be interesting to see how they go about doing it this spring.
