Some quarterbacks take longer than others to get themselves going in the NFL. Chicago Bears fans hoped this was the case with Justin Fields. It makes sense. He had to switch offensive schemes going into his second season. The offense around him isn’t very good. It shouldn’t be a surprise he might struggle early in 2022. One quarterback that followed a similar track was Josh Allen, the Buffalo Bills’ emerging superstar.
People would have a hard time believing he was considered a borderline bust early in his second season. After three rough games to start that year, things hit a low point in Week 4 against New England. Allen threw three interceptions and completed only 46% of his passes. Bills fans were starting to lose hope. Then things finally came together in Week 5. Allen threw for 219 yards, two touchdowns, one interception and completed over 71% of his passes. It was the turning point of his season. The first sign he’d figured some things out.
Don’t look now, but Fields reached Week 5 in Minnesota. Like Allen, his first four weeks were rough, with two TDs, four interceptions, and failing to eclipse 200 yards passing. Then in a game where his team needed him, Fields delivered one of the best performances of his career. He finished 15-of-21 for 208 yards, one TD, and ran seven times for 48 yards. The Bears would’ve pulled off an epic comeback win if not for a late defensive breakdown.
Justin Fields never looked out of control in Minnesota.
That is what stood out the most. Despite a hostile stadium and a pretty good Vikings pass rush, the second-year QB stayed composed. He overcame some early missed opportunities and finished the first half strong. Then he came out slinging it in the second. Of the 271 yards the Bears had in the game, he was directly responsible for 245 of them. That was a clear-cut case of a quarterback putting a team on his back and almost willing them to a win.
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Opportunities to build some momentum lay ahead. The Washington Commanders are up next on Thursday Night Football. Their pass defense ranked 24th in the NFL going into this week. Justin Fields can send a message to the rest of the league on national TV with a big performance at Soldier Field. Maybe that will give him the confidence to deal with the murderous back-to-back games against New England and Dallas that follow.
Either way, it feels like Sunday was a turning point for Fields. He looked like a professional quarterback for the first time. If this trend holds, Chicago could be in business come 2023.
It’s one game. A game of 208 yards and a TD. Please settle down with the superstar talk and Josh Allen comparisons until he strings together good games. He definitely showed some progress, and some poise. I am very happy with how he looked, and mannn I hope he continues to progress. Most star QB’s would consider 208 yards and 1 TD a bad game… Not trying to be negative, just saying the Allen comparisons are nonsense until JF has good games a lot more often than he has the stats he had every other game this year. I desperately… Read more »
This is what I have been harping on. The kid is doing what he did last year (in very similar circumstances). The 1st 1/4 was a struggle, and then he started to gain control of both the system and himself. The difference is evident if you look at 1/4 season segments.
It did look like JF1 made quicker decisions and he made plays with his feet. It appears that he was thinking too much in the first 4 games. He seemed more at ease this game. Reminds me of a person trying to correct his golf swing and thinking too much about it. I do like the progression he had in this game. Now keep improving this week against the Commanders. Bear Down!
Doesn’t have the skill set of Josh Allen. That’s exactly the skill set he has. He has been a superstar at every level and the way he handled the dumpster fire around him in his first season and now dealing with all the changes this year PROVES he is and will be a superstar and we’re beginning to see it. Can’t wait for Thursday.
He played a good game. Let’s hope the progress continues.