The preseason will mark the next step in Justin Fields‘ preparation for the regular season. Everybody knows it’s a big one for him. There is every likelihood his 2023 season will determine if the Chicago Bears decide to keep him long-term or make a change at the position next year. He can’t use the excuses of scheme familiarity or lack of roster support anymore. It’s his second year under Luke Getsy. He’ll have proven receivers like D.J. Moore, Darnell Mooney, and Chase Claypool. This has to be the year where he matures as a passer.
While it’s never wise to read much into preseason games, the Tennessee Titans represent a great test for Fields. One of the biggest reasons is their tendencies with the blitz. Last season, their defense had a blitz rate of 18.1%, the 7th-lowest in the NFL. In other words, they preferred to rush only four at the quarterback and drop seven into coverage. This forces a quarterback to play the short game, dipping and dunking down the field. No big plays allowed.
This is perfect for Fields. His short-to-intermediate game was inconsistent last year. This will force him to operate with more precision. We’ll see how much he’s learned over the past few months.
Justin Fields must also get the ball out fast.
Concerns have already emerged about his offensive line as injuries have mounted. Nate Davis still hasn’t returned from whatever ailment knocked him out early in training camp. Now Lucas Patrick is also on the shelf, leaving the Bears painfully thin at right guard. It created problems for the blocking at the most recent practice. Fields was under pressure a lot. While the Bears aren’t likely to call nothing but pass plays against Tennessee, the blocking can’t afford multiple breakdowns against what will likely be a backup-laden opposing front.
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The goals for Justin Fields are simple. Complete the majority of your passes, no turnovers, avoid taking bad sacks, and engineer a scoring drive. Accomplishing those will be a good indication of where his readiness is. If Tennessee sticks to their usual low-blitz style, it will be interesting to see how the quarterback attacks them. Settling for checkdowns and making smart high-percentage throws will be a great sign. Above all, the best outcome for everybody is that he stays healthy.
