Former QB Claims Justin Fields Will Be An MVP Threat This Year

Expectations for Justin Fields in 2023 vary depending on who you ask. Chicago Bears fans are cautiously optimistic. They know the third-year quarterback is a dangerous runner, but they aren't yet sure if he can blossom as an NFL passer. Some media community members have already made it clear they're down on him. They don't think he has the passing chops to thrive in this league and that the Bears should've made a change. On the flip side, there are plenty who think this will be the year he finally silences the doubters.

Count former quarterback Dan Orlovsky among them. While he's been in and out on the Bears for the past year, the ESPN analyst seems more confident than ever that Fields will have a big season. Not only that, he went so far as to openly declare the young quarterback will challenge the NFL's elite for the MVP award.

This confidence comes from three angles. One is the improvement along the offensive line with new arrivals like Nate Davis and Darnell Wright. Fields was sacked 55 times last season. Next is the arrival of D.J. Moore, a top-tier wide receiver that should immediately become a dynamic weapon. Last but not least is greater knowledge of the offense. This will be Fields' second season under Luke Getsy. That should lead to far smoother execution.

Justin Fields holds his future in his own hands now.

The Bears have done everything they can to make his life easier. His arsenal is better. The protection should be at least modestly improved. MVP is an obvious reach, but there is no reason not to have higher expectations of him this year. At the very least, he should crack 3,000 yards passing. If he can't do that with his added experience and help around him, then it's time to have a serious conversation about how far he'll go in the NFL. Nobody debates his immense physical gifts, but playing quarterback in this league requires more than that.

Poles deserves credit. He has remained steadfast in his backing of Justin Fields. He understands it can take time for quarterbacks to mature. The GM saw that play out with Alex Smith. After years of misery in San Francisco, he finally came around in 2011 and eventually became a Pro Bowler in Kansas City. If he can do it, so can Fields. All it requires to proper support from the organization. Poles wasn't able to do that last year. This time he followed through on his promise. The rest is up to Fields himself.