Justin Fields continues to battle scrutiny no matter what he seems to do. The season started with people saying he couldn’t protect the ball or score points. Both problems have since been fixed. They said he couldn’t make full use of his running ability. Now he’s on course for over 1,000 yards, which would make him only the third quarterback in NFL history to reach that mark. Critics are rapidly running out of ways to maintain their argument. Their last line of defense rests on Fields’ passing ability. His yardage totals remain low (149 yards per game).
The popular theory is he can’t navigate a pocket or read defenses. All his success comes from his ability to scramble around and make something happen. That only proves they don’t watch the games. Brian Baldinger, a former player, has covered Fields closely since he was drafted. He’s watched almost every performance the quarterback has put on. When it comes to the idea that the 23-year-old can’t stand in the pocket or read defenses, he could only laugh. No, seriously. Baldinger actually chuckled when he said it during his latest breakdown.
Justin Fields is finding a way. That is what matters.
People want to see 300 yards passing and four touchdowns every week. How is that different from 150 yards passing, 150 rushing, and four touchdowns? The results are exactly the same. It comes down to people seeing the quarterback position strictly for its passing. They’re having trouble accepting the reality that the position has evolved beyond the Peyton Manning and Tom Brady era. Superior athletes are starting to occupy it, beating defenses on the ground and through the air.
It’s not like Justin Fields doesn’t want to throw the ball more. Running wasn’t his primary motivation in college. He only did it when he had no choice. That remains the case in Chicago. His offensive line can’t pass protect consistently, and his receiving corps struggles to get open without creative scheming. GM Ryan Poles needs time to correct those issues. Until then, Fields is doing what he can with what he’s got. Bears fans would do best to sit back and enjoy it.
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Gator Joe
The key is getting him to do it and release the ball in under 2.5 seconds.
Do you know how many QB’s in the NFL make a pass under 2.5 seconds on average? Two. Yes TWO. Rodgers and Brady, two QB’s headed to the hall of fame. This under 2.5 seconds idea isnt reality.
@Jeff – I couldn’t agree more.
Fields, if he stays healthy, has a wonderful career ahead of him. I don’t care what the average fan wants because many do not understand the game. Steve Young was correct when he said the game is less sophisticated then when he played. It’s college football…only with the best of the best.
The people worried about him getting hurt running need to calm down. He’s taken far less hits now that he’s running then he did when he sat in the pocket. I’d argue him running is actually preventing him from taking hits. he is extremely smart when he runs going out of bounds and sliding when in the middle of the field. Getting blindsided and rolled up in the pocket have caused him far more pain this year than scrambling.
Its all about WINS! I don’t give a damn if he throws for 150, runs for another 100 and scores 3-4 TDs every game as long as we WIN! Next year he should have better protection, much improved talent at the skill positions, and therefore more WINS! Like JohnS, I too am concerned about him getting injured due to being forced to run so much. For now, I’m really enjoying watching this offense, for the first time in recent memory.