Former Bear Makes A Bold Justin Fields Prediction For 2023

The Chicago Bears have high hopes for the 2023 season. While nobody in their right mind expects this team to compete for a Super Bowl, they should at least win a lot more games. Most projections have them hovering around the 8-win range, which would be a five-game improvement from their 3-14 campaign last year. That is a significant improvement, even if it might signal they're still a year away from true contention in the NFC North. However, some people think the Bears will exceed expectations, and the primary reason for that is Justin Fields.

The BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) doesn't usually cover American Football. That changed in a rare article by Ben Collins for their sports section. The topic was the Bears' young quarterback. Wide receiver Chase Claypool spoke to them, calling Fields a "superstar" who always keeps the team in games. Perhaps the more interesting comments came from former Bears safety Shaun Gayle. The former Super Bowl champion and Pro Bowler made it clear big things are ahead this season from Fields.

Shaun Gayle, a member of the Bears' only Super Bowl-winning team, says Fields is destined to "leave a lasting impression on Chicago"...

..."I think they'll make the playoffs," Gayle added. "I'm glad they stayed the course [with Fields], saw his potential and built on what they have.

"I think this coaching staff will let their best players shine, and I really believe in Fields at quarterback."

Justin Fields would silence remaining doubters in that scenario.

Two persistent criticisms have surrounded the Bears' young quarterback going into this season. One is that he can't succeed primarily with his arm, having averaged a league-low 149 yards per game in 2022. The other is he can't win. Through two seasons in Chicago, Fields has a 5-20 record. Even though football is a team sport, quarterbacks are still judged by their win-loss record. That isn't fair, but it is reality. Fields was the main reason the Bears were in most of their games last season, but failing to close out several of them is a lasting stigma he still carries.

Gayle seems convinced that changes this year. Justin Fields finally has a credible supporting cast. D.J. Moore is the star receiver he needs. His offensive line should be better. The defense might be the most improved unit on the team based on the first preseason game and joint practices with Indianapolis this past week. If things click across the rest of the roster, it is hardly crazy to think the Bears can grab a wild card spot in what many view as a weak NFC. All they need is for Fields to play like a top 15 quarterback.