Justin Fields had plenty of doubt after the conclusion of the 2022 season’s first month. He barely completed 50% of his passes, averaged just over 100 yards passing, and two touchdowns to four interceptions. People were ready to bring out the “bust” label as the Chicago Bears quarterback struggled. Then things began to turn. In the following four games, he completed 64% of his passes, averaged 182 yards passing, and threw five touchdowns with only two interceptions. It was a massive improvement. This was especially true considering he did it against four teams with a record of .500 or better, and three of those games came on the road.
Now comes November. When looking at how things are shaping up, everything points to this being a big stretch for Fields. Start with the supporting cast. Veteran guard Cody Whitehair is expected back from his leg injury earlier this season. That will help the offensive line. Then there is the arrival of wide receiver Chase Claypool from Pittsburgh via trade. That gives the Bears quarterback another weapon on the same tier as Darnell Mooney. Then there is the schedule.
The next three games come against opponents with some of the weakest pass defenses in the NFL.
- vs. Miami – 26th
- vs. Detroit – 27th
- at Atlanta – 32nd
If Fields gets adequate protection, everything points to him having some real breakout games this month.
Subscribe to the BFR podcast and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
.@ChicagoBears @justnfields the QB; the OL; the Pass Protections; the passing game. ALL getting better! Not sure any offense in the NFL has improved as much as #dabears in first half of season. #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/zfW2StytPx
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) November 3, 2022
Justin Fields finally has things working in his favor.
He’s firmly established in the new offense. Luke Getsy has done a great job working the scheme to his quarterback’s strengths. Fields has greater mastery of the system, making sharp calls at the line of scrimmage. Their chemistry is a big reason things have been much better of late. Now the schedule is finally breaking their way. Nobody can say if the Bears will win any of the upcoming games. Barring something unexpected, it won’t be because their young quarterback didn’t play well.
Maybe it’s too much optimism and not enough realism. Every time Bears fans start believing in their quarterback; something seems to go wrong. All one can do is hope that isn’t the case this time. Justin Fields has growing confidence, additional weapons, and softening schedule to play his best football as a pro in the next three weeks. There is no reason to keep the expectations low anymore.
@Ghost Tomahawk
Any other stupid comments to make, Mr. fudgepackers fan?
Said this about the Redskins game.. Fields like Trubisky had his moments and then had his moments.
I totally agree with Peanuthead. I might also add that JF1 is now performing better than all the qb’s selected in the 1st round the same year he was drafted.
Big Swede I worry about the same thing. If we can just get 3 years of Getsy we’ll be ok. Anything sooner? Ouch.
For all the TGenas out there who think you open a box and get a perfect, experienced QB, that is not how it works. A young guy has to work his way through learning an offense, making mistakes, including bad reads and bad throws, and getting experience on the job. With some good coaching and decent players around him he can emerge as a solid starter. With some luck he might even become a franchise QB. JF1 is making the baby steps now and starting to look like the real deal. It takes patience that so many Bears fans just… Read more »
You know how when a commentator says ‘So and so has been perfect on his last 16 field goals attempts’ just before the the kicker is about to attempt another one? Then the kicker misses it?
Don’t curse the offense!
Now go outside, spin around three times and spit. Then ask the football gods for forgiveness! 🙂