Justin Fields — Quarterback
Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields had a historic season. He became only the third quarterback to rush for over 1,000 yards in a season. He finished with 1,143 rushing yards, second-most all-time for a quarterback. He did that in spite of missing two games.
The problem with that is that the quarterback gets paid big money for his arm and not so much for his legs. To this point, Fields hasn’t had much success throwing the ball.
In 27 career games, Fields completed just 59.7 percent of his passes for 4,112 yards. There are quarterbacks who can throw for more in just one season. Additionally, he has 24 touchdowns to 21 interceptions. A 2:1 ratio of touchdowns to interceptions is average.
To be fair, Fields has not had much to work with in his time in Chicago. His receivers have been unable to create separation and make big plays when targeted. Mooney was his best receiver but as I mentioned, he struggled to get the ball early on, and when he heated up he was injured, finishing up his season after 12 games.
Things should change in 2023. Fields will have much better weapons. In addition to having a healthy Mooney and Claypool for a full season, Poles pulled the trigger on a trade of the top pick in the draft. In addition to gaining multiple draft picks in return, he also got Fields some help by insisting on having D.J. Moore included.
Moore is one of the top receivers in the NFL. He had three consecutive seasons of over 1,100 receiving yards that ended in 2022 because the Carolina Panthers had a horrible quarterback situation (he still finished with 888 yards).
In addition to that, Poles selected speedy receiver Tyler Scott in the fourth round of this year’s draft. Scott has the speed to run away from defenders. Also, he is a great route runner. He is a big play waiting to happen. In college, he averaged 44.6 yards per touchdown. You know that puts a smile on Fields’ face.
Fields should have a big year in 2023. He hears all the jokes about him being a running back playing quarterback. What people should remember is that Fields was not a big running quarterback when he was in college. He was a throw-first, run-second quarterback. In three seasons, he completed 68.5 percent of his passes. Additionally, he had 67 touchdowns to just 9 interceptions. That is an elite 7.4:1 ratio.
In Chicago, Fields had to run to save his life. Without the proper targets, Getsy had to make adjustments to his offense. Now, with better talent around him, he can run less and throw more. His runs will make bigger impacts when he doesn’t run so much. If he throws better, the opposition has to defend that. In return, Fields’ runs will be more effective. If they try to limit his runs, he could burn them with his throws.
If things work out, Fields should have a big year in 2023. Poles’ faith in him will be rewarded. Then he will quiet his detractors and help the Chicago Bears win some games.