The film shows that Bears QB Justin Fields is ready for a breakout season
2022 is a monumental year for the Chicago Bears and quarterback Justin Fields. With a new front office, new head coach, new offense, and new playbook, the Bears are doing all the right things behind-the-scenes to help Fields succeed in year two. After all, he was hindered by Matt Nagy during his rookie campaign and […]
2022 is a monumental year for the Chicago Bears and quarterback Justin Fields.
With a new front office, new head coach, new offense, and new playbook, the Bears are doing all the right things behind-the-scenes to help Fields succeed in year two.
After all, he was hindered by Matt Nagy during his rookie campaign and his growth will be a key factor in how fast the Bears are able to get back into a competitive window.
For a while, it seemed as if the Bearsand Fields were doomed for a lot of failure in the 2022 season.
The two weakest position groups surrounding Fields, WR and OL, both took hits with injuries to Lucas Patrick, Riley Reiff, N’Keal Harry, and Byron Pringle among others.
It became very difficult to envision a scenario where the Bears put together a solid offensive unit for week one against the 49ers, and even harder to picture Fields taking the next step when surrounded by replacemebnt level talent.
That all changed in Cleveland.
The Bears played a majority of their starters for the first half of the preseason finale against the Cleveland Browns, and the Bears offense out on a show.
Fields completed 14 of his 16 passes for 156 yards and three touchdowns. He posted a passer rating of 146.9 and left the game with a 21-0 lead.
A to Z Film Room’s James Foster (subscribe to A to Z Sports Film Room) recently broke down the film, and does a nice job of showcasing Fields’ best moments from the game in Cleveland.
The video shows Fields making quick reads of the defense, taking advantage of busted coverages, and using his legs to extend plays while keeping his eyes down field.
In the run-heavy Bears offense led by offensive coordinator Luke Getsy, there’s a good chance Fields will do a lot of his damage while moving out of the pocket on designed roll-outs. His ability to dissect a defense and make accurate throws while doing so have to make Bears fans feel like they have the right guy at QB.
Fields finished the preseason with the highest rating of any NFC quarterback, and many of his starters didn’t even play alongside him.
With Teven Jenkins as the new right guard and Lucas Patrick returning at center, Fields’ protection should keep getting better as well, giving him more opportunities to hang in the pocket and throw.
The Bears won’t be a playoff team in 2022, but their season’s success is determined by QB1 and his development. All signs point to a big season coming for Justin Fields.
Image via Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
