Thursday, November 21, 2024

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Justin Fields Is Becoming A Gritty Quarterback

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The Chicago Bears will look to win back-to-back games on Sunday when they travel to Dallas to play the Cowboys. The Bears are coming off an impressive upset win over the New England Patriots, which saw quarterback Justin Fields run and pass for a touchdown. Although Fields has struggled during the early part of the 2022 season, he is beginning to give the Bears a chance to win each game with his clutch play.

Fields’ Numbers Make Not Look Pretty, But He Is getting The Job Done

When looking at Fields’ numbers at the quarterback position, one would believe that he is struggling and that the Bears’ offense is failing to produce. Through seven games, Chicago’s second-year quarterback has thrown five touchdown passes, six interceptions, and has only one performance with 200 passing yards or more. Despite the low numbers on offense, the Bears have had a chance to win all but one of their games this season, as they have only lost one game by more than a one-possession score.

In the Bears’ Week 3 victory over the Houston Texans, many fans and NFL analysts were concerned about Fields’ performance as the quarterback was highly inaccurate and struggled to execute offensive coordinator Luke Getsy’s offensive scheme. Since the victory over the Texans, Chicago’s quarterback has played immensely better as he has thrown with better accuracy and continues to be a dual threat on offense. Fields has led the Bears’ offense on four or more scoring drives in three of their last four games.

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Although Fields’ passing numbers aren’t eye-popping, he continues to make clutch throws that either extend scoring drives or make the difference on scoring drives. In the last four games, the Bears quarterback has completed a pass of 25 yards or longer that has led to either a field goal or a touchdown. Since Week 4 against the Giants, Fields and the Bears’ offense has increased the amount of first down generated game-by-game.

Fields’ clutch play, despite the low passing stats, has been remarkable as he has given the Bears’ offense to either tie or win with their final offensive possession in their previous two losses. Against the Vikings and Commanders, Chicago’s offense gained at least 36 yards on their final drive in each game. In the Vikings game, Fields and the offense gained three first downs and got into Minnesota territory before wide receiver Ihmer Smith-Marsette fumbled trying to extend a play. Against the Commanders, the Bears failed to score a game-winning touchdown at the end of the game as Fields had two passes dropped in the end zone.

Chicago’s young quarterback is making plays with his arm and feet as he has rushed for 47 yards or more in each of the Bears’ last three games. Fields’ mobility is beginning to help him as a passer, as in Monday’s game against the Patriots, he completed a 19-yard pass to Equanimeous St. Brown. On the throw to St. Brown, the Bears’ quarterback gave the appearance that he was going to scramble, causing defenders to come up to the line of scrimmage, only for the ball to be thrown to the receiver at the last second.

Fields Learning To Win At All Cost Will Make Difference Later In His Career

Fields’ ability to put the Bears’ offense in a position to consistently score and have a chance to win games late is significant as the 2022 season progresses. In Chicago’s last two losses, their quarterback hasn’t just led the offense downfield by connecting on consecutive passes but with a mix of broken plays. Few NFL quarterbacks can pick up positive yards when a play falls apart, while even fewer can keep their composure when everything breaks down and the game is on the line. Fields has achieved this against the Vikings, Commanders, and even the Patriots over the past three weeks.

Although Chicago dominated New England for most of the game on Monday night, there was a moment midway through the second quarter when it appeared as if the Patriots were going to take control. Backup quarterback Bailey Zappe had led New England on back-to-back touchdown drives sending the crowd into a massive frenzy. Down 14-10, Fields led the Bears’ offense on a game-altering and potentially game-saving 75-yard drive capped by a 25-yard touchdown pass to running back Khalil Herbert.

Fields has repeatedly responded to adverse high-leverage and late-game situations this season and has done it without having the flashiest stats. The ability to continuously find ways to make plays while not playing at your best matters, especially when a quarterback is still young and inexperienced. Fields is still learning Getsy’s offense and is making plays with his athletic ability. Later this season, fans and analysts could see the Bears’ quarterback begin to make plays because of familiarity with the offensive scheme and teammates finally established.

The Bears haven’t had a quarterback in a long time that can consistently make difference-making plays, whether by running the ball or throwing it. Fields’ passing stats rank at the bottom of the league, but he continues to give the Bears a chance to win every week. Chicago’s quarterback will improve on his passing numbers as the season goes on, but the experience he is gaining by making positive plays is invaluable for his long-term growth at the position.

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Byron E Mullins
Byron E Mullins
Oct 29, 2022 6:04 am

Douglas

Byron E Mullins
Byron E Mullins
Oct 29, 2022 6:04 am

If we are talking Douglass, welcome to the 21st.

Mike Colvin
Mike Colvin
Oct 28, 2022 2:47 pm

LOL! I remember Bobby Douglas, Charles. His main problem wasn’t his arm, it was that he threw it at 100 mph at the receiver no matter how close or how far away the receiver was. Tebow was similar, but learned a little as he played.

Charles Tornquist
Charles Tornquist
Oct 28, 2022 1:55 pm

ronzi2 On Nov 22 1970 Bobby Douglas threw 3 of 4 touchdown passes against the Buffalo Bills with a broken wrist, one of the most incredible feats in NFL history. Bobby could run like a deer, but had the touch of a brick layer when it came to the passing game. I remember this game well at Wrigley Field for I sat in the stands that day. Also Bobby could throw a baseball close to 100 MPH and played for the Chicago White Sox organization after his NFL career.

Rick
Rick
Oct 28, 2022 12:35 pm

All Fields supporters knew this day was coming. What he accomplished last season with everything going bad showed that he would get awesome this season with everything going good. Can’t wait till we just enjoy him and stop evaluating him.

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