Whether Chicago Bears fans like it or not, the conversation was inevitable. National media outlets are left wondering what might happen with Justin Fields following the 2022 season. Remember that he was drafted by a different regime led by Ryan Pace and Matt Nagy. New GM Ryan Poles inherited him. Some can’t help but wonder if the 23-year-old can’t live up to expectations this season that the Bears might go hunting for a new signal-caller. Even if those expectations might be somewhat unfair.
That doesn’t figure to be an issue. According to a source, the general feeling is that expectations from the young quarterback will remain measured this season. Poles and Matt Eberflus aren’t banking on him taking a huge leap. Not under the current conditions.
- First year in a new offense.
- Uncertain blocking.
- Unproven weaponry.
The buzzword used to describe what they’re looking for in the coming months is “progress.” They want to see Fields take steps forward as a professional. Operate better from the pocket. Make quicker decisions. Protect the football and himself. In essence, they’re looking for more instances of what he showed in that second half against Pittsburgh last year.
Justin Fields doesn’t need to be Superman. Merely better.
If he can’t accomplish that much, the Bears will have valid reasons to worry. So much of what happened last season can be blamed on the mismanagement of Nagy’s staff as well as his inexperience. Both problems are now addressed. Fields played 12 games last year and now has a new staff around him headlined by Luke Getsy, fresh from his highly-touted run with the Green Bay Packers. The environment isn’t ideal, but it’s good enough to help a young quarterback at least take a step forward.
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In the end, Justin Fields must control his own destiny. That is what the great quarterbacks often do. He isn’t the first one to struggle in his rookie year. Plenty of future icons did. What matters is learning from his mistakes. Bears fans are understandably terrified if he’ll be yet another failed experiment. The new regime is willing to be patient. He will have to show them a reason to stay that way.
