Not everybody is looking to pile on Justin Fields. Yes, the young quarterback has struggled and deserves blame for some mistakes. However, that makes it too easy to overlook the good things he’s done thus far in 2022. The problem is that most critics get caught up in the box score, combing the stats. They don’t bother to watch the tape to see how much of the fault is actually on him. One person who can understand that reality is Eli Manning.
The former #1 overall pick was a constant punching back of the New York media during his early years with the Giants. Through his first 16 career starts, he completed barely 50% of his passes with 21 touchdowns, 18 interceptions, and a 68.9 quarterback rating. People weren’t sure if he had the capability to become a franchise guy. Still, the Giants decided to let things play out. By his fourth year, they were Super Bowl champions. Manning has watched Fields extensively leading up to Monday night’s game in New England. He sees the struggles, but he also sees some of the little things the QB does for his team.
“I see Justin competing his tail off in every game and making a lot of unbelievable plays when nothing’s there,” Eli said. “It’s supposed to be a screen to the running back; it’s covered; he runs for a first down. I see he’s learning, and that takes time.
“The offensive line is struggling, he’s getting hit quickly sometimes, receivers aren’t getting a ton of separation at times. So he’s having to be creative, but he’s not making a whole lot of mistakes. He’s not forcing things. He’s not throwing interceptions and putting the team at a disadvantage.”
Justin Fields has done everything possible to limit turnovers.
Manning is correct about that. Despite constant pressure and tight throwing windows, the Bears quarterback has only thrown five interceptions in six games. It only looks bad because he has four touchdown passes by comparison. One should not forget Fields should have more TDs this year, but circumstances out of his control have prevented that from happening. Ask yourselves this question. How many interceptions would Jay Cutler have if he were facing the same circumstances?
Remember, he threw 42 during his first two seasons in Chicago. Justin Fields is on pace to finish with 25. Bears fans might start appreciating that more if he could put the ball in the end zone more often. Having 11 touchdown passes in 18 appearances isn’t a great look for any quarterback, regardless of how bad the circumstances are. Still, what Manning says is true. Fields’ ability to limit turnovers and make something out of nothing is valuable to this offense right now. The best thing to do is to let him figure things out.
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