Justin Fields had plenty of critics when the 2022 season began. It wasn’t unwarranted. His rookie season had been rough, throwing more interceptions (10) than touchdowns (7). People weren’t sure how he’d respond to a new offensive system while also dealing with a mediocre supporting cast. The first four games didn’t bode well. He kept struggling, showing timidity and happy feet in the pocket. Then around the fifth game, something began to click. Since then, he has 11 touchdowns, two interceptions, and a 99.7 passer rating. Much of that success came when the Chicago Bears finally looked to utilize his legs as a weapon.
This approach has caught on over the past few years across the NFL. The Baltimore Ravens led the way with Lamar Jackson in 2019, fully embracing that style of play rather than trying to force him to become a pocket passer. Another team that has embraced this approach is the Philadelphia Eagles with their breakout quarterback Jalen Hurts. He’s compiled 18 touchdowns and only two interceptions with 2300 total yards and a 107.6 passer rating. Former NFL player Dominique Foxworth said on his ESPN program that not only does he think Fields can follow Hurts’ example, but he can far outpace it.
Justin Fields has every Hurts ability magnified.
What Foxworth says is technically true. The Eagles quarterback uses his excellent running ability to help create advantageous throwing situations for himself. Fields both bigger and faster than Hurts with a far superior arm. He can make the long-distance throws that the Eagles starter can’t—the key difference between the two lies in the supporting cast. Hurts has arguably the best offensive line in football protecting him and a wide receiving corps headlined by a Pro Bowler (A.J. Brown) and a former top 10 pick (DeVonta Smith). Fields has nothing close to that.
His offensive line needs a ton of work, and his wide receiving corps lacks legitimate playmakers. Hopes are high that the newly-acquired Chase Claypool can change that. Time will tell. Either way, Foxworth’s opinion is hard to ignore. If the Eagles can be as successful as they are with Hurts at the helm, imagine what the Bears can accomplish if they build something similar around Justin Fields. Those efforts will begin next spring when they have $100 million in cap space and likely a top 10 pick waiting for them.
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