Young Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields took steps in a positive direction as a sophomore this past season. Though, most of that had to do with his record-setting performance on the ground.
There are still a ton of issues as it relates to Fields the passer after two seasons. He has not answered questions about an inability to succeed from the pocket.
Bears head coach Matt Eberflus spoke with the media at the start of their off-season program on Friday, providing a promising update in this regard.
“Obviously, the priority is the passing game. We ran the ball very well. But we all know that we’ve got to improve in the passing game. Part of that is the rhythm and timing. That’s the footwork with Justin,” Eberflus told reporters.
“He’s been really working on that, really good — in terms of the quick pass, drop-back pass, movement passes. And he’s really made some big strides in that area, coming so far on his own, and now coming into the Phase II, that first week.”
- Justin Fields stats (2022): 60.4% completion, 2,242 passing yards, 17 TD, 11 INT, 85.2 QB rating
Fields’ sophomore season was a marked improvement over what we saw from the Ohio State product as a rookie in 2021. The first-round pick completed less than 59% of his passes with just seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions in his first season with Chicago.
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Chicago Bears talk up Justin Fields heading into offseason program
Chicago showed confidence in Fields leading up to the 2023 NFL Draft. The team boasted the No. 1 overall pick with an opportunity to select either Bryce Young or C.J. Stroud.
Instead, Chicago traded down to No. 9 overall with the Carolina Panthers. It picked up Pro Bowl wide receiver D.J. Moore from the Panthers in that deal in order to provide Fields with a top-end target.
Fields’ inconsistencies over the first two years of his career have had a lot to do with a lack of skill-position talent in Chicago.
General manager Ryan Poles made a move ahead of November’s NFL trade deadline, acquiring wide receiver Chase Claypool from the Pittsburgh Steelers. He then doubled down with the acquisition of Moore.
Justin Fields and Co. are certainly in a better situation heading into the off-season program. It’s now all about seeing further improvement from the young quarterback.
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