Bears: NFL morning show makes Justin Fields look great
The success, or lack thereof, of the Chicago Bears in 2023 will hinge on the performance of quarterback Justin Fields. While the Bears finished with the worst record in football in 2022, Fields showed flashes of what made him a first-round pick in 2021. The young QB had notable highlights such as setting a single-game […]
The success, or lack thereof, of the Chicago Bears in 2023 will hinge on the performance of quarterback Justin Fields.
While the Bears finished with the worst record in football in 2022, Fields showed flashes of what made him a first-round pick in 2021. The young QB had notable highlights such as setting a single-game NFL record for rushing yards by a QB and finishing with the second-most single-season rushing yards by a QB in NFL history.
After an impressive campaign, Fields can count a few media members as believers.
On ESPN's morning show Get Up, the analysts were asked which NFC North QB they'd most want in 2023. With Aaron Rodgers now in New York, that question becomes much more interesting.
Former NFL player and executive Louis Riddick chose the Lions' Jared Goff. Host Mike Greenberg and former NFL receiver Harry Douglas, however, both chose Fields.
"I'm going with the Chicago Bears and Justin Fields," explained Douglas. "The one thing you can't teach is athleticism and we saw that at a masterful level last year."
"I'll go with Fields if only to try and speak it into existence," proclaimed Greenberg. "I think the circumstances into which he (Fields) came were un-overcomable. I don't think he's had a fair shot to show what he's capable of."
Douglas has a point. Fields demonstrated in 2022 that even if the passing game isn't working, the QB is still a threat with his legs. Greenberg made a valid point as well. Fields had Sam Mustipher blocking for him and Marquise Goodwin catching passes for him in his rookie season.
In 2022, the line and receiver rooms were not much better. Only three offensive lines allowed more sacks than the Bears last season, and no team had fewer receiving yards.
This offseason, much emphasis was placed on improving these position groups. Nate Davis and Darnell Wright will improve the line, while DJ Moore gives Fields the first top-tier receiver of his career. If Fields can improve even when the team around him doesn't, he should take several steps forward with a better roster.
Featured image via © Daniel Bartel | 2022 Sep 11
