Justin Fields may come across as soft-spoken compared to other quarterbacks in the NFL. Don’t be fooled. The young man brims with self-confidence in his abilities. That is how he was able to weather the storm of being on the worst team in football last year and still play surprisingly well. Much of that came from his outstanding breakout campaign as a runner. Up until that point, everybody knew Fields was mobile. However, he’d never truly unleashed his legs as a true weapon. With a shaky offensive line and limited receiving options, he had little choice but to change that.
Aided by a midseason scheme adjustment by the Bears coaches, the quarterback became arguably the most feared runner in the NFL. Not only did he set the single-game mark for yards with 178 against Miami, but he also posted the second-most ever in a season with 1,143. He is only the third quarterback in NFL history to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark. Fields was asked on the All Things Covered podcast who he believes belongs in the top five all-time for greatest running quarterbacks.
Justin Fields isn’t completely out of his depth with such a statement.
His freakish speed and natural running instincts were obvious last season. If he can maintain a pace of around 700 yards per year, he will surpass Michael Vick’s record of 6,109 by his ninth season. He would be 30 years old. Of course, much of that depends on whether his body lasts that long. Health is a legitimate concern with running quarterbacks. Cam Newton, who holds the record for rushing touchdowns with 75, was already in severe decline by his 30th birthday. Vick was burnt out by his 32nd birthday, and that was aided by two years he spent in prison.
The truth is Justin Fields would be wise to follow the example of Steve Young, the final guy on his list. During his early years, Young ran the ball around 70 times per season. However, he eventually became a far more polished passer. He soon trimmed that number down to around 50 times per year. As a result, he was able to play at a high level until he was 37. Fields can do incredible things with his legs, but if he wants to have a long career, he cannot and should not learn to rely on them.
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Still, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he is considered one of the greatest runners ever when it’s all said and done.
Julio Rodrieguez- –
3-14!
GhostTomahawk 34 realizes that stats are for losers.
I hope JF1 doesn’t get caught up in the Michael Vick — Lamar Jackson comparisons.
I’d trade 150 yards of QB rushing for a TD drive in the final 2 minutes, any day.
How many of those scoring drives has Justin provided, in his NFL career?
GhostTomahawk 34 most rushing yards in a game and third most yards in a season isn’t nothing. He’s not saying he’s the best quarterback he’s just one of the best runners and he sure showed that last year
Ryan Poles was very wise to acquire PJ Walker (and maybe that even applies to Tyson Bagent).
Justin Fields (and every other QB in the league) is just one “Kyler Murray play” away from catastrophe.
@ Hehateme30 …. Bobby Douglas? Really?
You did see this article is about Top 5 Running QBs EVER, right? Lol!
Watch his tape. The kid is a thrower more than he’s a runner. He’s just smart enough to not David Carr himself into oblivion by just sitting in the pocket getting smashed while trying to run the offense. (No disrespect to Carr) He still ended up taking too many sacks, but at least he knows what not to do now. I’m excited for training camp and preseason to get a feel for where we’re at.