Identifying a good quarterback requires so many different things. Perhaps one of the most overlooked qualities is their performance against top competition. When watching guys come out of college, it’s important to examine their numbers with careful scrutiny. Some may have taken advantage of second-rate competition and disappeared when they ran into top opponents. Justin Fields is proving to be a different animal for the Chicago Bears. That was established last year.
While the team didn’t win a lot of games, it often wasn’t because of their quarterback. In 2022, the Bears played seven games against eventual playoff teams with Fields under center. NFL Network revealed that no QB had a better touchdown-to-interception ratio against such opponents. He finished 97-of-155 for 1,048 yards, 11 touchdowns, and one interception in those games. He also rushed for 471 yards and two touchdowns. People can pick apart his lack of gaudy passing yards all they want.
The fact is Fields gave his team several opportunities to win those games.
Justin Fields understands efficiency. Now it’s about volume.
If he could produce at a high level with the below-average supporting cast he had last year, it’s not unreasonable to think he can do much more this season. It’s his second year in Luke Getsy’s offense. That almost always leads to better execution. Fields also has a revamped receiving corps led by D.J. Moore and an offensive line that is suddenly much younger and more athletic than it’s been in years. The numbers will come if they can protect him even at an average level this year.
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It is stats like this that explain why the Bears were comfortable moving forward with Justin Fields. They know there is a good quarterback in there. There were more than enough flashes last season. GM Ryan Poles is willing to stay patient and let a young player mature. That is often the best strategy when somebody has Fields’ elite ability. Put a strong foundation around him and let him grow. If things go as planned, the Bears may find they have a franchise quarterback by the end of 2023.
