Justin Fields is frustrated. That much is obvious. He’s been giving short answers to lots of questions in recent weeks. Much of that is due to the Chicago Bears continuing to lose. Fields has never been a loser in his entire sports career. This is a new experience for him, and he doesn’t like it. That is a good thing. Unfortunately, every attempt to correct the problem hasn’t found success. Now the second-year quarterback is left wondering what comes next.
At his most recent press conference, he admitted that he needs to improve at almost every facet of his game. What he’s done to this point wasn’t good enough. Much of that is out of his control. The Bears’ offensive line hasn’t done him many favors with their pass protection lately. That was evident again on Thursday night when Washington sacked him five times. He was asked if the pressure and hits began to affect how he played, specifically regarding his internal clock.
Fields was surprisingly honest about it, admitting he felt he might’ve been rushing things too much late in the game.
Justin Fields must learn to better protect himself.
There is no question the offensive line isn’t great. Their protection is unreliable too often. That said, the quarterback himself can’t be absolved of blame. Too often, Fields either holds the ball too long in the pocket or decides to take off running. Both decisions open him up to hits from the opposing defense. Anybody with common sense knows that those hits accumulate over time. Sooner or later, they start having an impact on a quarterback’s psyche.
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He becomes less concerned about making the necessary throws and more concerned about where the next hit is coming from. Justin Fields outright admitted he’s starting to feel that way. Credit to him for recognizing the issue, but that doesn’t change the overall problem. Until the Bears can work to fix the line, he has to do a better job getting the ball out of his hands. Find the checkdowns when they’re available, or throw the ball away if nothing is there.
The team is trying to make life easier for him. They’re top five in rushing attempts this season and have run the ball well. It hasn’t helped. He still gets hit too often. Something has to change soon.
