Bears: National NFL show sets unfair standards for Justin Fields
Justin Fields took several steps forward in 2022 after a disappointing rookie season in 2021. With the Bears investing heavily in Fields' supporting cast this offseason, it's fair to say the young signal-caller will have even more expectations on his shoulders in 2023. DJ Moore was added to the receiver room and the line was […]
Justin Fields took several steps forward in 2022 after a disappointing rookie season in 2021.
With the Bears investing heavily in Fields' supporting cast this offseason, it's fair to say the young signal-caller will have even more expectations on his shoulders in 2023. DJ Moore was added to the receiver room and the line was bolstered by the addition of rookie tackle Darnell Wright and veteran guard Nate Davis.
However, one national football show recently outlined some things that are simply outside of Fields' control.
This morning on Good Morning Football, the hosts were pondering what a successful 2023 season would like for Justin Fields.
Instead of providing a Bears' win total or a yardage amount for Fields, Kyle Brandt said beating the Green Bay Packers should be the top priority.
"The Bears never beat Rodgers. He left," explained Brandt. " If you let Jordan Love become the next after the next (referring to Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers), we have to contract the franchise. You have to be able to beat Jordan Love. They have to."
While true that the Bears will need to start beating the Packers, laying this at the feet of Fields is unfair. Brandt mentioned not letting Love become the next great Packers' QB, but how would Fields have anything to do with that? Perhaps Love and Fields could both become star quarterbacks.
Additionally, what if Love consistently plays poorly against the Bears but still ends up becoming Favre or Rodgers level? Ultimately, Fields needs to worry about his team and playing to the best of his abilities. Beating the Packers will be a crucial litmus test, but there are 15 other games that don't involve Jordan Love on the schedule.
The Bears will kick off the 2023 regular season at home against the vaunted Green Bay Packers. A win in this game would not only set the season on a good track, it would probably quiet the criticism surrounding Fields.
Featured image via © Matt Marton | 2022 Oct 13
