Justin Fields went from borderline bust through the first four weeks of 2023 to the NFL’s latest breakout star. He has 11 touchdowns and only two interceptions in the past five games, including his 301-yard, 4-TD performance against the Miami Dolphins last Sunday. The highlight of that afternoon was Fields rushing for 178 yards, breaking the regular season record of 173 set by former Pro Bowler Michael Vick. Undoubtedly, the decision to use his legs more often has helped transform Fields’ game.
However, this philosophical shift has led many people to criticize the approach. They feel the decision to run more often is little more than a gimmick. Successful quarterbacks in the NFL must be able to win by throwing from the pocket. Of course, this conveniently ignores Lamar Jackson, who is an MVP candidate yet again this season in Baltimore, playing the same style. Most of the pushback on Fields’ new approach stems more from the fear he could get injured by running so much. One person that disputes this idea is none other than Vick himself.
He said as much to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune.
“No, I don’t think you have to be concerned about guys,” Vick said. “If you’ve got a smaller frame, you should be concerned. I was concerned with Trey Lance and the way they were using him early in the season in San Francisco. I thought he was a little taller, longer and lankier. He’s not built like a Cam Newton.
“The coordinators have got to know their guys and what he can give and what he can take when he’s in the line of fire. I don’t recommend putting your guy in harm’s way unless that is something that is mutual as far as the feelings. Injuries can happen on any play. If you have a guy that is athletic, you should let him roll. You can get your knee blown out or shoulder blown out standing in the pocket throwing the ball.”
He isn’t wrong. Another prominent name that would agree is Randall Cunningham. The four-time Pro Bowler hated playing from the pocket. It wasn’t because he felt he couldn’t do it. He was more concerned that it made him a stationary target and easier to hit. His peak years from 1988 to 1990 with the Philadelphia Eagles were aided by 2,187 rushing yards. Then in 1991, his new head coach Rich Kotite demanded he play more from the pocket. It didn’t go well.
Michael Vick has data to back him up too.
Fields played primarily from the pocket through the first six games of the 2022 season. He was sacked 23 times during that span and hit an additional 10. That means defenders got a decent shot on him an average of 7.16 times per game. Since the Bears reconfigured the offense to let him run more often over the previous three games, he’s been sacked 10 times and hit an additional three. That works out to 4.33 times per game that defenders have made contact with him. Far less than before.
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So this idea that his playing from the pocket will somehow protect him better than running is a myth. Sure, he might be able to do it if the offensive line was laden with great blockers. That isn’t the case. The Bears’ front five mainly comprises average to below-average blockers. There is a strong chance three or four of them could be gone next off-season. Asking Fields to stand behind them and pick defenses apart is irresponsible. Michael Vick experienced the same things during his days in Atlanta. So he knows what he is talking about.
The spy turned out to be very ineffective as Fields ran right by him. Also took that guy out of coverage. So, the run and the threat of the QB run is working as it always does for a dynamic athlete at QB. Do you remember what Sports Illustrated called Cunningham in his prime? “The Ultimate Weapon”. There was a darn good reason for that and it involved much more than a guy who could run some.
@Martin Melhus yeah the dolphins tried a spy quite a few times. That’s how the TD to Mooney to happen created a 1v1.
So one outlier quote from a former pro bowl QB w/ a similar skill set (and one in which he didn’t make past his 1st read most of his career), is the man to prove that it’s a myth (you’re more likely to be injured in the pocket than out of it)? Are you smoking crack?
With regard to Fields stats, the argument is kind of stupid. Eventually teams will see that he has great talent as a runner, and make adjustments to try and minimize what we can get out of that. I suspect that would include putting a spy on him, and playing more zone coverage. At that point, Fields and Getsy will have to make adjustments too – learning how to beat the zone, and learning how to set things up for us to win the play. Against zones, put all the receivers on one side – if the zone shifts to cover… Read more »
I disagree about the state of the Bears offensive line. I think Jones at LT and Jenkins at RG are long term players, and that Jenkins has a shot at making the pro bowl the way he’s playing this year. Whitehair is competent, but may not stick around – we’ll see. Borom at RT and the center position are where we need improvement. Poles has already demonstrated that he can find value deeper in the draft on the OL, and I expect he will do so again next April. Both Mustipher and Borom have value as experienced backups, but they… Read more »