The Answer to Progressing Chicago Bears QB Justin Fields
The Chicago Bears have their most talented quarterback prospect in decades with Justin Fields. Only part-way into his second season, the Bears are doing him a great disservice. He's got an inconsistent offensive line and few reliable weapons to throw it to. Outside of WR Darnell Mooney and TE Cole Kmet, there isn't much in […]
The Chicago Bears have their most talented quarterback prospect in decades with Justin Fields. Only part-way into his second season, the Bears are doing him a great disservice.
He's got an inconsistent offensive line and few reliable weapons to throw it to. Outside of WR Darnell Mooney and TE Cole Kmet, there isn't much in the way of dangerous options at receiver.
Once upon a time, the best way to get a QB to progress is to supply them with a running game to take pressure off them as a passer. Nowadays, QBs need either a fortified offensive line to keep them protected, or plenty of weapons to open the field.
Unfortunately for Fields, fixing the offensive line will take time. However, getting him better options for pass catchers is much more realistic.
The NFL Trade Deadline is November 1st and the Bears may be able to remedy Fields and the offense by making a call to the 704.
DJ Moore is the Carolina Panthers WR1. To this point in his career, Moore has totaled 314 catches, 4,451 yards and 15 touchdowns. With three straight 1,000 yard seasons to his name.
All of this catching passes from Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, a shell of Cam Newton's former self and Teddy Bridgewater, to name a few. While Fields at the moment isn't as seasoned a passer as any of the names mentioned, he's still early in his development and this would be the time to get him in the right direction.
The Chicago Bears QB is among the league leaders in QB running stats, but near the bottom in passing statistics. His 50.7% completion, 471 yards passing and four interceptions are all near the bottom in the league.
Considering what other teams have done for their QBs in a similar fashion, it would make sense. Simply looking at their increased QBR:
- Josh Allen with Stefon Diggs = +27.2 QBR.
- Jalen Hurts with AJ Brown = +12.2 QBR.
- Tua Tagovailoa with Tyreek Hill = +28.1 QBR.
These are just a few recent examples. Developing their QBs with great route runners who become a differenct in the passing attack.
But would the Chicago Bears give up the necessary compensation? Top WR1's cost a first round pick or multiple picks to cost.
With the high possibility of Panthers head coach Matt Rhule's seat scorching, a rebuild seems inevitable. The best way to do that is to gather as many quality picks as possible.
DJ Moore would not only benefit from new surroundings, Fields would benefit from Moore's new surroundings.
If Rhule is on his way out before the deadline and Carolina is looking ahead to April 2023, giving Moore away to a team who could better suit him is a win for all sides.
Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
