Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields was one of the most exciting players of the 2022 NFL season, particularly due to his remarkable ability as a runner. He had 1,143 yards and eight touchdowns over 160 carries (7.1 AVG).
Absolutely INSANE run by Justin Fields! 🏈🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/mgY11DkbZs
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) December 18, 2022
However, the passing production was lacking, with Fields throwing for 17 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, and 2,242 yards, while putting together a passer rating of 85.2.
In order to be the Bears’ franchise quarterback and be the player many evaluators thought he could be out of Ohio State, Fields needs to make a leap as a passer in year three.
Bears general manager Ryan Poles has put Fields in a much better position for success, adding a No. 1 wide receiver in D.J. Moore and upgrading the offensive line with veteran guard Nate Davis and rookie first-round pick Darnell Wright (selected No. 9 overall), who’s likely to slot in as the Week 1 starting right tackle.
But where does Fields need to make his own improvements as a quarterback?
Fields told Larry Mayer of the Chicago Bears’ official website that he wants to be more “consistent with getting the ball out faster” and with the “quick game stuff.” He added that he’s “focusing pretty hard on that this offseason.”
“Just being more consistent with my quick game stuff,” he said. “I feel like down the field I’m pretty accurate. Just being more consistent with getting the ball out faster, being more accurate, giving my wide receivers, my running backs, tight ends a better chance to catch the ball and run for extra yards. I’m focusing pretty hard on that this offseason.”
As Fields alluded to, he’s already a very skilled passer downfield, both in terms of the accuracy and arm strength. And with an improved offensive line and receiving corps, it’s easy to see the potential for more big plays there.
However, Fields could also add more efficiency in the short passing game, boosting his completion percentage, moving the chains, and avoiding sacks.
Additionally, with the addition of Moore to join Darnell Mooney and Chase Claypool (and rookie Tyler Scott), and tight end Robert Tonyan to join Cole Kmet, there are more options to rely on to make plays on quick passes. And doing so may even open up more for Fields in the deep passing game.
