Bears fans made it clear who they want at quarterback in 2024
The Chicago Bears have already made one of their most important decisions heading into the New Year and it seems their fanbase has made the next decision for the front office. Quarterback Justin Fields had a statement performance in Week 17's win against the Atlanta Falcons and was flooded with waves of support for the […]
The Chicago Bears have already made one of their most important decisions heading into the New Year and it seems their fanbase has made the next decision for the front office.
Quarterback Justin Fields had a statement performance in Week 17's win against the Atlanta Falcons and was flooded with waves of support for the Bears fans in attendance during the team's final home game in 2023.
The big game and the reactions from the fans in the stands is exactly what the Bears front office has been looking for while evaluating whether or not Fields can be the Bears long-term franchise quarterback.
With the snow falling down, the Bears fans in attendance at Soldier Field still stuck around after the game to make sure their message was well received by the Bears ownership as the chants rained down on the field: "We want Fields."
"I heard it and it was great," Fields said while speaking with the media following the win on Sunday. "Ever since the moment I've got here, the fans here have been great to me, and to the team. Like last year, when we didn't have a good record, they're still showing up late in the season cheering us on. Chicago Bears fans are definitely number one in the world. Just know I love y'all, we love y'all as a team, and they're always great. So, definitely very appreciative of them and how they just supported our team out here."
Fields seemingly left it all out on the snow covered field with the thought in the back of his mind that his game on Sunday could have potentially been his final game as the Bears starter at Soldier Field. After the game, he took the time to embrace the atmosphere while the uncertain future circles around him.
"I've just made a big emphasis on living in the present moment, and I will definitely remember this game for the rest of my life," Fields said. "Just the atmosphere, the fans, the chants, the snow. I don't like snow as a quarterback but looking back on it, it was great. Just the atmosphere, the fans in the game, and playing my hometown team and beating them… it was good."
Fields finished the game with 268 passing yards, 45 rushing yards, 1 passing touchdown, 1 rushing touchdown, and the major thing, no turnovers. It marked the second game of the season in which Fields had multiple touchdowns and zero giveaways, both of which were 20 point victories for Chicago.
The team's starting quarterback was extremely efficient from start to finish, both on the ground and through the air. That type of production is exactly what the Bears and their fans have been waiting to see from their former first round pick and it couldn’t have come at a better time with the Bears officially locking in the top pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Fields was decisive with the football and fired big time shots all over the field despite the inclement conditions at Soldier Field. The connection between him and wide receiver DJ Moore was especially evident once again as the two combined for 9 receptions, 159 yards and one touchdown.
On the ground, Fields managed to avoid pressure in order to help keep plays alive. Even though he still took three sacks in the game, Fields made the plays where it mattered most including this insane third down conversion. Even Fields himself couldn’t believe the play he made.
"I don't even know to be honest with you," Fields said. "Of course you have to make some of those plays throughout the game, but I mean, I actually can't tell you what happened. I just tried to get a feel on like how guys were attacking me and stuff like that, and which ways I can break out. But I mean, yeah, that was a crazy play."
The team's starting quarterback will have one more test left in Week 18 to prove to the Bears that he can be their franchise quarterback and the season will end against the team it started with.
The Bears are set for a 2023 season finale against the Packers in Green Bay, the team that defeated the Bears 38-20 in disappointing fashion to open the season. Although the Bears are out of playoff contention, they can still play spoiler against their biggest rival who enters Week 18 with a win-and-in scenario to make the playoffs.
"I think we're definitely better than in Week One," Fields said ahead of this week's matchup. "Week one, we had a lot of new players, but throughout the season we've built chemistry in the locker room and on the field. So, I'm excited to see what we can do next week in Green Bay and hopefully come up with a dub."
Fields has never beaten the Packers as the Bears starting quarterback and this weekend will be the biggest test to decide his future in Chicago. If he can put together another strong game and eliminate the Packers from playoff contention, the ownership and front office will have no choice but to keep him as the starter.
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