Bears: Famous QB coach explains why Justin Fields will take major leap in 2023
Whether it should be considered fair or not, Justin Fields is shouldering an immense load of pressure heading into the Chicago Bears’ 2023 season. Entering just his second season as the Bears’ full-time starter, general manager Ryan Poles made it a mission to seek out adequate talent to surround the franchise quarterback with. Additions such […]
Whether it should be considered fair or not, Justin Fields is shouldering an immense load of pressure heading into the Chicago Bears’ 2023 season.
Entering just his second season as the Bears’ full-time starter, general manager Ryan Poles made it a mission to seek out adequate talent to surround the franchise quarterback with.
Additions such as WR D.J. Moore, TE Robert Tonyan, RG Nate Davis and first-round pick OT Darnell Wright leave Fields without an excuse to produce in the upcoming season.
There are a handful of traits that Fields has already developed that should make his life easier with better weapons now in his arsenal. The Score’s Jordan Schultz notes his accuracy in throws under 20 yards as one of his biggest assets.
From Schultz: “Keep in mind: Fields led all QBs in completion percentage on throws between 10-19 yards (66.7%), relying often on Cole Kmet – fresh off a career-high seven TDs – to inflict much of the damage.”
Kmet’s emergence shouldn’t be overlooked in this offense, either. Fields and Kmet, along with Darnell Mooney will be suiting up in their second season under offensive coordinator Luke Getsy. With more experience in the offense, Fields should be able to play with more instincts in 2023.
One thing has remained true about Fields since the Bears drafted him at No. 11 in the 2021 NFL Draft: he’s the hardest worker in any room he steps into. His work ethic and competitive drive is second to none, which is especially rare at just 24 years old.
Shultz writes that his will to win is what should help Fields take a major leap in year three.
“Bottom line: Fields should flourish," Schultz writes. "Don't forget that he's a young man whose personal QB coach since middle school, Quincy Avery, told me: ‘He's the only quarterback I know who really tries to throw five days a week. You almost have to hold him back. Justin is one of the fiercest competitors I've ever been around.’"
