We’ve heard all the opinions on Justin Fields and his second season with the Chicago Bears. Some feel it was a significant breakthrough for the former 1st round pick. He improved as a passer in almost every category and became one of the most dangerous running quarterbacks in the league. By most metrics, it was a successful season. However, we all know how people think these days. It’s all about instant gratification. If you aren’t setting the stat sheets on fire, you suck. Since Fields didn’t make enough progress as a passer in 2022, many experts believe the Bears would be wise to trade him while his value is still high.
Some people might be surprised to find out that Fields himself doesn’t have overly fond memories of the season. He spoke on the Rich Eisen Show about what he accomplished last year. While he agrees he showed some improvement, it wasn’t close to what he wanted. He isn’t naive. Fields understands the way he played isn’t sustainable over a long period. If he wants to be great, he’ll have to correct several persistent issues with his operation in the passing game.
It was quite refreshing.
“I think I’ve shown a little bit, but I don’t think I’ve shown the world what I can do in terms of playing the full quarterback position and playing it consistently,” Fields said. “I think there were some times this year where I was better than others. Like my last game of the season against the Lions, that wasn’t a good game. So just being more consistent for my teammates, for my coaches, for the fan base. Once I do that, once I just keep progressing and keep getting better, then I’ll be good.”
Justin Fields’ self-awareness is crucial to his success.
People always talk about great players and their talent. They never understand one of the crucial character traits that made him great in the first place. It was a willingness to recognize their own faults and work hard to correct them. Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant were both famous for that mentality. So were Steve Young, Tom Brady, and Drew Brees, among others. Fields appears wired the same way. Find the weakness, fix the weakness. No amount of hard work is too much. That is why he has found success everywhere he’s played.
The key component to this rests with the Bears. They must do everything in their power to help him. Better blocking. More weapons and a consistent offensive scheme he can grow in. This is a process they have failed at too many times. GM Ryan Poles hopes to be the first to finally break the streak. Justin Fields can only control what he can control. He will keep grinding, keep leading, and hope things around him improve. If they do? Don’t bet against him going into next season.
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Rich – great idea on how to help Fields create muscle memory in terms of getting the ball out of his hands in 3 seconds using an air horn. I hope somebody passes this idea onto Getsy.
How is this shocking? Justin seems like a pretty self aware dude.
Let’s see it on the field in 2023. No more talk. No more excuses. Or we move on
I wonder if they drill him on getting the ball out of his hand at under 3 seconds? I would have him drop, set and throw slants, digs, outs, check downs time after time with an air horn going off at 3 seconds. Throw to spots on time. Receiver has to get there. If he can master the quick, short passing game, he can close out games in the 4th quarter. Avoid the 7 step drops, move the pocket for the deep routes, but master that short stuff. He was inaccurate on those throws this year.
Humble.
Honest.
Hungry.
I like J’ Fields! There is NO arrogancy…. no condescension.
Sooooooo happy he’s OUR Bear’s QB.
The only way someone can NOT like him is if they aren’t a BEAR’s fan. (there are a few on this site that constantly put him down… they are just hoping that kind of negativity can take root and they can get the less informed fans to jump ship, then THEIR team can be better because he’s gone).
So… p*ss off, haters… BEAR’s are getting better!