Last month, if you said Justin Fields was going to throw eight touchdowns in a two-game span this season, people would’ve laughed you out of the building. Almost everybody was ready to call it quits on the Chicago Bears quarterback. His first three games were hard to watch, exhibiting many frustrating qualities he showed last season: erratic timing, little anticipation, inconsistent accuracy, and bad decision-making. That is why he completed less than 58% of his passes for 526 yards, three touchdowns, and four interceptions.
Then, the weirdness started. In a five-day span at the start of October, Fields piled up 617 yards, eight touchdowns, and only one interception. It was easily one of the best two-game stretches a Bears quarterback has ever had. However, many aren’t ready to say the young quarterback has finally arrived. They feel the recent success comes from playing two awful defenses and the outstanding ability of wide receiver D.J. Moore.
Former Bears quarterback Chase Daniel believes that assessment is unfair and inaccurate. After reviewing the tape of both games, especially against Washington, he noticed Fields was making several difficult throws. Not only that, but his decision-making also showed considerable improvement. He explained on 670 The Score with Parkins & Spiegel.
Justin Fields didn’t solely benefit from wide open chances.
Yes, there were instances of this. Moore ran some excellent routes that led to open looks. However, two of his three touchdown catches were tight windows. The first was the corner route in the red zone that Fields dropped in the bucket with pressure in his face. The second was the dagger in the 4th quarter. Cornerback Kendall Fuller came charging downhill, hoping to pick an out route for a potential pick-six. He got close, but Fields wisely placed the ball high and wide enough to where only Moore had a chance at it. Fuller flew by, and Moore had a clear path to the end zone.
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It was further proof that Justin Fields has the capability to be a great quarterback. His enemy has been consistency. Stringing good games together has been a big issue. He also struggled against zone coverage, taking too many sacks by holding the ball and an unwillingness to attack the middle of the field. All of those problems seem to have lessened. The kid is playing with confidence as a passer for the first time in his career. Daniel thinks that can and will continue.
