Justin Fields has built lots of positive momentum so far in his early practices. It started in OTAs and has sustained through the first week of training camp. Everybody agrees he looks calmer, more in control, and sharper when running drills. His connection with D.J. Moore is growing rapidly. The Bears offense has gotten the better of the defense in most situations, which is far from a regular occurrence for this franchise. It offers hope that Fields is ready to turn the corner in 2023.
Mike Sando of Sports Illustrated delivered his annual Quarterback Tiers. In it, he ranks all the starting quarterbacks in the NFL based on votes from NFL executives and coaches. Fields came in at 21st overall, near the bottom of Tier 3. While his breakout year as a runner helped his cause, his struggles as a passer held him back from higher placement. However, it sounds like multiple coaches believe the Bears quarterback is poised to change that narrative this season. He has the talent, but now, more importantly, the support to make it happen.
“As a runner, he is a 1,” an offensive coordinator said. “As a player, he has been inconsistent. But it would not shock me if we are having this conversation next year and he is a high 2. For now, the hype does not equal the ranking.”
“I think Fields has a chance,” a defensive coordinator said. “He has a skill set to do it, and then in that division, he has a chance to shine a little bit this year. I’m not giving up on that kid because of the skill set he does have. When you have those legs, if you can fit the right offense around him and give him some skill players, then we’ll see.”
Justin Fields finally has reinforcements.
GM Ryan Poles made that a central focus when the off-season began. D.J. Moore arrived via trade to bolster the receivers. Right guard Nate Davis signed as a free agent, and right tackle Darnell Wright became their 1st round pick. Robert Tonyan came aboard to form a nice one-two punch at tight end with Cole Kmet. The depth of weaponry Fields has is so much greater than it was last season. If the offensive line takes a step forward as expected, this offense is fully capable of being a well-balanced threat.
This is a big year for Justin Fields. Everybody knows 2024 will be when the Bears have to make a decision about his future. Both extension talks and the fifth-year option become factors. If he can deliver on a breakout passing season, the team won’t hesitate to lock him up long-term. If he can’t do much beyond what he showed last year, Poles will have the tough call of possibly making a change. Based on early evidence, Fields is more than up to the challenge.
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