Justin Fields continues to battle scrutiny no matter what he seems to do. The season started with people saying he couldn’t protect the ball or score points. Both problems have since been fixed. They said he couldn’t make full use of his running ability. Now he’s on course for over 1,000 yards, which would make him only the third quarterback in NFL history to reach that mark. Critics are rapidly running out of ways to maintain their argument. Their last line of defense rests on Fields’ passing ability. His yardage totals remain low (149 yards per game).
The popular theory is he can’t navigate a pocket or read defenses. All his success comes from his ability to scramble around and make something happen. That only proves they don’t watch the games. Brian Baldinger, a former player, has covered Fields closely since he was drafted. He’s watched almost every performance the quarterback has put on. When it comes to the idea that the 23-year-old can’t stand in the pocket or read defenses, he could only laugh. No, seriously. Baldinger actually chuckled when he said it during his latest breakdown.
Justin Fields is finding a way. That is what matters.
People want to see 300 yards passing and four touchdowns every week. How is that different from 150 yards passing, 150 rushing, and four touchdowns? The results are exactly the same. It comes down to people seeing the quarterback position strictly for its passing. They’re having trouble accepting the reality that the position has evolved beyond the Peyton Manning and Tom Brady era. Superior athletes are starting to occupy it, beating defenses on the ground and through the air.
It’s not like Justin Fields doesn’t want to throw the ball more. Running wasn’t his primary motivation in college. He only did it when he had no choice. That remains the case in Chicago. His offensive line can’t pass protect consistently, and his receiving corps struggles to get open without creative scheming. GM Ryan Poles needs time to correct those issues. Until then, Fields is doing what he can with what he’s got. Bears fans would do best to sit back and enjoy it.
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