The Chicago Bears (0-3) are in a very tough position at quarterback with Justin Fields. He has shown flashes of being one of the best run-pass quarterbacks in the NFL. Fields had a breakout end to the season last year, but has since seemed to regress to start this season. The scheme, team and coaching have not helped Fields growth. With blame on both sides, it might leave Chicago with one option – let Fields cook. Put the ball in his hands, build an offense around his play-making and let the dynamic talent of Fields either sink or swim for the rest of the season.
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One fair criticism of Fields during his career dating back to his time with Ohio State in college is that he does not see the field as well as elite quarterbacks. There are times where he stares down a read, but either turns away from it or just hesitates on making the throw. Fields does not see the field as well as he needs to for an elite quarterback to then take advantage of his run game.
Getting the ball out of his hands quicker, more confidently and with consistency can open up the rest of the offense to set up Fields running ability, the teams run game and so much more.
Comparing the final three games of last season to the first three games of this season are night and day. Last year Fields finished the season with 32 rush attempts, 238 yards and an average of 7.44 yards per run. That facilitated an efficient version of the passing game, with Fields throwing for just 346 yards, but four touchdowns (one interception) and an 84.5 quarterback rating.
Through three games this season Fields has a 67.7 quarterback rating, 24 rushing attempts and 109 yards on the ground. He has more yards through the air, mostly in garbage time of double-digit losses. Chicago is not scheming to Fields’ strengths as a runner and then as a passer, which doesn’t put the dynamic young quarterback in the best position to be successful.
Field has thrown the ball 33 more times in these three games to start the season and has eight less rushing attempts. That ratio is not a recipe for success for Fields or Chicago to start the season.
The other variable to consider here with Chicago and Fields is the team’s win-loss record over the past 13 games. In that span, Fields has started 11 games (0-11) with other quarterbacks starting the other two games (0-2). They have lost 13 straight games.
Even when Fields is playing at his best, Chicago is not winning football games. When Fields is playing the system that Chicago wants to play, Chicago is not winning football games.
For the remainder of this season there is only one answer for Chicago – let Fields cook. Let him play the way that facilitates him being a successful quarterback. Scheme to his skillset, not to the coaches wants and desires. Letting Fields cook only yields the right answers for Chicago. If the light bulb goes off for Fields, the Bears have a quarterback of the future and can build around him after receiving a high pick from the Carolina Panthers in the 2024 draft. Then, if he fails, Chicago is a bottom three team at best with two very high draft picks to change the course of the franchise with a new quarterback.
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