The Chicago Bears lost to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday by a score of 35-32, despite quarterback Justin Fields having a historic performance. Fields set multiple NFL records for a quarterback, including the most rushing yards in a game with 178 yards and the first player ever to throw three touchdowns while rushing for over 140. Although Chicago’s quarterback set several rushing-related records against the Dolphins, he proved himself as a passing quarterback.
Fields Had An Underrated Day As A Pocket-Passer on Sunday
Fields only had 123 yards passing against a defense that has allowed over 300 yards passing by opposing quarterbacks in half their games this season, but he still had a terrific performance. Chicago’s second-year quarterback had the first three-touchdown passing game of his young career, including two touchdown passes to tight end, Cole Kmet. Fields only had nine incompletions while having a quarterback rating of 109.0, which is his second consecutive game in a row with a passer rating over 100.
During the week, general manager Ryan Poles traded for wide receiver Chase Claypool to help with Fields’ growth at the quarterback position. Claypool made a difference immediately despite only recording two receptions for 13 yards as his new quarterback targeted him on multiple downfield throws. On those two throws to his new receiver, Fields’ accuracy was on point as the former Steeler had a hand on both passing attempts, with one drawing a pass inference penalty and the other deserving of a pass inference call.
Here's the no-call — on what should've been pass interference — on the Justin Fields deep ball to Chase Claypool.
A PI call would've given the Bears the ball inside the Dolphins' 25-yard line with 1:29 remaining. Miami won 35-32. 🏈 pic.twitter.com/yqVHhagU6G
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) November 6, 2022
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Most of Fields’ highlights against the Dolphins featured a majority of his scrambles and designed run plays, but even those rushes matter from a passing standpoint. Many of the rushes by the Bears’ quarterback came on passing plays in which he decided to scramble after going through his progressions after not finding an open target to throw too. On Fields’ 61-yard touchdown run, he went through his progressions and faked a throw which opened the running lane that led to his score.
That was a nasty pump fake by Justin Fields pic.twitter.com/ElfvbQ7G8U
— Gifdsports (@gifdsports) November 6, 2022
A massive improvement in play at the quarterback position has been seen over the last six weeks since the Bears’ Week 3 win over the Houston Texans. Against the Texans, Fields struggled significantly as he threw two interceptions and visibly lacked confidence and the ability to execute offensive coordinator Luke Getsy’s offense. In the Bears’ last three games, their quarterback has had a quarterback rating over 85, despite not throwing over 200 yards.
One play that demonstrated Fields’ improvement as a passing quarterback was his second touchdown pass to Kmet. The play is significant as Chicago ran the play against the Washington Commanders back in Week 6 in the exact situation. On the play, Fields overthrew tight end Ryan Griffin, who was wide open in the end-zone for what should have been a four-yard completion. Against the Dolphins, the Bears ran almost the same play design, except their quarterback completed the throw to a wide-open Kmet.
ANOTHER COLE KMET TOUCHDOWN!!! pic.twitter.com/LFg50DrYjc
— Bears Talk (@NBCSBears) November 6, 2022
Fields Big Passing Game Is Coming Soon
Although Fields only had 23 passing attempts, several of his scrambles came on drop-back passes. In the coming weeks, several of those would-be scrambles will become pass completions as opposing defenders will look to defend against Chicago’s quarterback running for first downs. Fields has scored a rushing touchdown in his last three games as the upcoming opposing defensive coordinator will look to eliminate the possibility of that taking place.
JUSTIN FIELDS 61 YARD TOUCHDOWN RUN pic.twitter.com/AmWusZtfJ0
— Pardon My Take (@PardonMyTake) November 6, 2022
The Bears’ next two opponents in the Detroit Lions and Atlanta Falcons, have struggled significantly in pass defense. The Lions’ defense has allowed 300 passing yards or more in three games this season, while the Falcons have the worst pass defense in the NFL. Both teams will look to stop the Bears’ number-one-ranked rushing offense and could be caught off guard by Fields’ ability to throw the ball.
Another reason why Fields is on the cusp of having a significant passing day in one of his next starts is that the Bears’ offense is beginning to develop continuity at the wide receiver position. Claypool will be integrated more into Chicago’s offense over the next several weeks as wide receiver N’Keal Harry is becoming a more familiar presence after returning from injury in Week 7. Having more familiarity with Kmet, Harry, Claypool, and Darnell Mooney will only enable Fields to improve and make more plays in the passing game.
Justin Fields last 5 games:
11 total TD. 2 INT. 100.5 rating.
1,306 total yards. 851 passing. 455 rushing.
Broke Michael Vick’s rushing record for a QB with 178 yards in a game.
— dave (@runbackdave) November 6, 2022
It has been a long time coming, but the Bears’ franchise might finally have the elite-level quarterback the team has been searching for over the last several decades. Fields, although lacking the eye-popping passing statistics, is getting better as a passing quarterback week by week. Chicago’s quarterback has been one of the best offensive players in the NFL over the last three weeks, with his best passing performance yet to come this season.
The point of JF1 not using the middle of the field is not a new one. It was a rap on him last year as well. That said…I don’t worry or particularly care at this point. I totally believe that he will make that adjustment to his game soon enough. I went to that game yesterday! MAN WHAT EXCITEMENT! Honestly, I was totally expecting what happened on the Mia side of the offense. We joined the list of teams who have no solution for Tua, Hill and Waddle. They are the real deal. Lots of wins coming for that team.… Read more »
Check out Brad Biggs’ story today. He notes Field has only been effective on fades and go routes. Has not shown he can consistently attack the middle of the field as Tua and Zak have done the last 2 weeks. He has a ways to go to be a threat as a consistent pocket passer
I used to pray for times like this
Ok, I’m convinced, this guy’s FOR REAL!!!!
So disgusted with NFL refereeing. That’s it, miss the play! Similar to a November Monday night game last year that the Bears played versus the Steelers. Remember that one where Cassius Marsh sacked Roethlisberger? That was going to change the flow of the game and the Bears were going to be on their way to having a comeback and winning. Except for one thing, Tony Corrente insisted that Marsh was taunting the sideline, and called a penalty. If that wasn’t bad enough , on his way back to the side line, Corrente stuck out his ass, so that Marsh would… Read more »