Once Justin Fields began to fully embrace his mobility as a runner, people started to see how lethal he could be as a quarterback. Defenses had nightmares trying to contain him. He broke the single-game record for rushing yards in the regular season with 178 yards, breaking the mark held by Michael Vick. People started making the inevitable comparison between the two. Some weren’t ready to go there. Vick was a special talent in his day. It would take more time before Fields could be put into that category.
Then you see videos like this and realize the comp is 100% justified. One of Vick’s most iconic moments came in 2002. On the day he set the single-game mark of 173 yards, his Atlanta Falcons played the Minnesota Vikings. The two teams battled into overtime. It was there Vick uncorked a highlight for the ages with a 46-yard touchdown to win the game. In an incredible twist of fate, Fields delivered an eerily similar highlight 20 years later against the same exact opponent, going 52 yards for what should’ve been a huge touchdown. Sadly his was called back due to a bogus penalty.
He even follows the same trajectory as Vick, running to his left, going along the sideline, and then cutting back inside before pulling away for the score. Full credit to @brwn_cr33py_ for putting the videos together.
Justin Fields must succeed where Vick failed.
Vick was arguably the greatest running quarterback in NFL history. However, he never achieved the full potential his career promised because he failed to develop fully as a passer. He crossed 3,000 yards passing only twice in 12 seasons and never threw more than 21 touchdowns. Teams learned how to handle his threat as a runner. By the time he finally started understanding how to pass, it was too late. He was in his 30s, and the hits he’d taken earlier in his career had caught up to his body. That is what the Bears must try to avoid.
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They’ve leaned on Justin Fields’ mobility this season because they essentially don’t have a choice. Their offensive line and wide receiver positions are undermanned. They need significant talent infusions before contemplating a more robust passing attack. Fields has shown flashes of capability in the pocket. The tools are there. It comes down to trusting his protection and speeding up his processor. Strides were made this season. He must take the next step in 2023.
Ronzi2: The value in having the #2 pick is huge. A team is far less likely to get a ‘difference maker’ at 12 than at 2. R2P2 and the scouting staff have to figure that part out, figure out who is the difference maker at the top of this draft, and get that player, or trade down for a bounty of picks. That said, ‘difference makers’ are critical because you only get to play 11 on the field at a time. Drafting three above average players doesn’t help you as much as drafting 1 exceptional player, because you can get… Read more »
I care absolutely ZERO about this Packers game. They’ve been beating CHI for 30 straight years, what the hell does this game matter?
While Vick only had 2 seasons where he passed for more than 3000 yards, the Bears, in all their history, have only had 12 seasons with a passer over 3000 yards, (over 103 seasons), and only 6 players have done it. Cutler has half of them, Erik Kramer has two, including the record of 3838 yards, and Trubisky, Harbaugh, Grossman, and Billy Wade have each done it once. So when Fields eventually does break 3000 yards in a season, it will still be a big deal. Here’s hoping he cracks 4000 yards sometime – Bears are the only franchise to… Read more »
To Stephen
You mean injured further ? If we come up with a game plan of just running the ball and just throwing it to Knet then might as well start the new guy ( Boyle ) , we need to above all : keep Fields on the bench and to he*l with the 2md. pick.
There are quite a few Edge Rushers and DT’s available in the first 2 draft days.
I don’t want a Michael Vick as our future at QB.