Bill Lazor Couldn't Get Justin Fields To Chill Out During Bye Week

Bill Lazor has learned many things about Justin Fields since the two became acquainted before and after the NFL draft. In that time, the Chicago Bears offensive coordinator came to appreciate his new quarterback for a variety of reasons. Obviously, the talent was one. His mixture of athleticism and big arm has already flashed quite often of late. However, the true source of what makes the kid special didn't manifest until preparations for the regular season truly began. That was when the coach began to understand how dialed-in Fields is from a work ethic standpoint. He doesn't cut corners. The quarterback is ready and willing to do whatever it takes to get better. His thirst to be successful, to be great, is unquenchable. Where Lazor has figured that out the most is whenever Fields has time off. Both during weekly preparation and especially during the bye. Despite having extra time off, the rookie still peppered the offensive coordinator with questions via text as he watched film.

The guy is a grinder and that is what is so impressive about him.

[video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="https://www.sportsmockery.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Bill-Lazor-Media-Availability-Chicago-Bears2021_11_19_07_12_42.mp4"][/video] If somebody were to look purely at the stats? They'd say Fields has had a bad year. Jut four touchdown passes to eight interceptions with a passer rating of 69.4. Yet as always the stats lack context. Several of those interceptions weren't Fields' fault, due more instead to bad luck than bad decisions. One also must not forget the rookie didn't get any reps with the 1st offense in training camp. A blunder that Matt Nagy still hasn't answered for. For him to overcome that along with 29 sacks to still play two really good games against San Francisco and Pittsburgh in consecutive weeks? That is a testament to his toughness, his resilience, and his uncompromising drive to be the best. No excuses. Keep working until you're better.

Bill Lazor is anxious to see what comes next

No doubt he like everybody else hopes Fields continues to ascend. Not just because he wants to see the kid succeed either. His playing great is probably the only ticket left for Lazor and the rest of the coaching staff to keep their jobs. With the Bears at 3-6, their prospects of making the playoffs are remote. Especially with three games against Baltimore, Arizona, and Green Bay over the next four weeks. Not ideal. The only selling point Nagy, Bill Lazor, and the rest of the coaching staff have is that they are still qualified to do what ownership will want moving forward. Turning Fields into the franchise quarterback he can be. Based on recent rumors? Ownership may not agree. They are already researching possible alternatives. There are eight games left to change that narrative.

It starts Sunday against the Ravens.

They may be in luck. Baltimore has one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL, made vulnerable by a banged-up secondary and lack of a consistent pass rush. There is a good chance Fields can have a big day. That would certainly be a good first step.