It isn’t a huge surprise the Chicago Bears didn’t produce any Pro Bowlers in 2022. That comes with the territory of being a 3-11 team. There aren’t many good players on such rosters. Still, it’s not unreasonable to think at least one player got some consideration for the honor. Eddie Jackson has more interceptions than NFC selection Quandre Diggs despite playing fewer games. Teven Jenkins was playing excellent at right guard this year. Jaylon Johnson is quietly having another standout year at cornerback. However, none of them were listed on NFL.com’s list of the biggest Pro Bowl snubs. That honor went to Justin Fields.
This might surprise some people. Bears quarterbacks don’t go to the Pro Bowl. It’s been that way for ages. Upon closer inspection, the truth is far different here. Fields has been a one-man show all season. Think about this. The Bears have scored 33 offensive touchdowns this season. Fields either threw or ran for 23 of them. He’s combined for over 3,000 total yards, including 1,000 rushing and has a passer rating of 88.0 with three games left to play. That is a significant improvement from the 73.2 he had last year. Eric Edholm believes he deserved a Pro Bowl nod for what he’s accomplished despite difficult circumstances.
He makes a fair case.
“Fields’ ultimate place in their hearts remains undetermined, but his breakout in 2022 has been nothing short of fantastic for the QB-starved franchise.
Some might argue that Fields has room to grow as a thrower, but he’s taken big leaps in that department, completing 68.1% of his passes with 10 TDs and four interceptions in his past six games. That included a strong showing in a loss to the Eagles. Considering his supporting cast, Fields’ passing growth has been admirable.
But we all know why Fields is here, first and foremost. He’s become one of the most dangerous runners at the quarterback position, recently joining Michael Vick and Lamar Jackson as the only NFL QBs to rush for 1,000 yards in a season. In fact, he’s currently on pace to break Jackson’s single-season rushing record (1,206 in 2019).”
Justin Fields has put the NFC on notice.
There’s a new sheriff in town. He’s put up numbers that shouldn’t be possible with this roster. Try to imagine what will happen if the Bears can give him a star receiver and a competent offensive line. The rest of the NFL sees it too. They know something is building in Chicago. Fields is the caliber of talent that can take over the league for a decade. His mixture of size, speed, and arm talent is rare. Combine that with a constantly-underestimated brain, making somebody a nightmare to defend.
Remember, the Bears have the 19th-ranked scoring offense in the NFL. That is up from 27th last year. Allen Robinson is gone. James Daniels is gone. Khalil Herbert, Lucas Patrick, and Darnell Mooney have all missed time with injuries. The one constant through everything is Justin Fields. His improvement is the driving force behind their unexpected success. GM Ryan Poles understands the objective. Get the kid some help. Every dollar and draft pick available should be geared toward that.
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…ummmm….he’s tossed 10 picks in only 274 passing attempts….he leads the league in times sacked as well as sack yardage lost….that body of work only relates to a pro bowl if you’re a bears fan…..this so-called snub is no snub at all….he isn’t deserving…..
The thing about this is he’s not making a stink about it like another Bears player has… It just shows his maturity and leadership. Keep the Pro bowl accolades(popularity contest) I’ll take the All Pro in the future!
The PRO BOWL used to be played for pride and a few bucks, maybe the trip to Hawaii. If they want to bring excitement back to the game ply it after the SUPER BOWL, so the SB players can play. Also it wouldn’t hurt for the NFL FAT CAT OWNERS to PONY UP a little . maybe 500k for winning players 300K for the losers. I am sure this would add spice to the competition!
Somebody watch TNF and the Jags vs. the Jets. Then, tell me where Justin Fields ranks, today, compared with Trevor Lawrence and Zack Wilson.
Please “keep it real”
Pro Bowl has been a joke, is a joke and forever will be a joke if they don’t improve both the voting and the game itself. Both Fields and Jackson should’ve been Pro Bowlers this season. It’s ridiculous how certain players got in when it’s clear they were only chosen because of popularity and not play. Is what it is, we care about a different bowl and that’s the Super Bowl. BEAR DOWN!