Everybody knows the story with Justin Fields at this point. They saw last season. He is already an elite threat on the ground with his legs. Only Lamar Jackson and Jalen Hurts match him for lethality on the ground. However, teams don't win in this league unless you can throw the ball. Fields was better in 2022 than he was as a rookie, but he still wasn't good enough. He managed only 2,242 yards in 15 games with 17 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Those are numbers from the 1960s, not the modern era. It is the biggest sticking point with many of his critics.
That is why he is under so much pressure this year. Hopes are high that he will improve. The Bears brought in reinforcements headlined by wide receiver D.J. Moore, guard Nate Davis, and offensive tackle Darnell Wright. It feels like he has a legitimate supporting cast for once. Now the wait comes to see if he will make any progress. Chicago plays several tough opponents this season. Many of them will test Fields' ability to win from the pocket.
Nobody will provide a better idea of where the Bears quarterback is in his development than the man he'll see in Week 3.
Steve Spagnuolo will crown or crush Justin Fields.
The Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator is widely regarded as one of the best in the business. This is because of his ability to exhaust quarterbacks with his ability to throw different looks at them constantly. He loves to disguise his coverages and isn't afraid to bring the blitz often. Quarterbacks that struggle to read defenses or get the ball out fast tend to struggle against him. Kyler Murray, Lamar Jackson, and Dak Prescott are some of the many examples. Even the mighty Tom Brady has had issues with Spagnuolo in the past.
Much will be discovered about Justin Fields in the first month of the season. He has far more experience in the offense now. His protection should be improved. His arsenal of weapons is deeper. There aren't many excuses left. If he has any future as a passer in the NFL, he should be able to show this season. No better test awaits him than Week 3 at Arrowhead Stadium against a Steve Spagnuolo defense. If he plays well, then Bears fans can get excited about what is to come.
