How Well Justin Fields Likely Must Play To Save His Job

The rumblings are hard to ignore. Chicago Bears insiders have dropped not-so-subtle hints for the past month that Justin Fields is on thin ice. The team is 1-5 with him as a starter this season. Not all of that is on him, but the production doesn't do much to protect him, either. He's thrown 1,201 yards, 11 touchdowns, and six interceptions in six games. He's completing 61.7% of his passes. His 37.4 Total Quarterback Rating is 26th in the league. Last but not least, he is still the sixth-most sacked quarterback despite missing two and a half games.

Aside from two explosive performances against Denver and Washington, Fields has looked like a mediocre quarterback. People have jumped through hoops continuing to defend him, but the results aren't there. Protection has been better. The running game is solid. Yet the inconsistency persists. He will miss Sunday against the New Orleans Saints, which means he has eight games left at most. That isn't a lot of time to reverse the narrative that seems to be crystallizing about him.

He needs a strong finish in the worst way.

Justin Fields must show more of the form he flashed vs. Denver.

He was at his most efficient as a passer in that game. He strung completions together, threw with confidence and accuracy, and was aggressive. His numbers don't have to be as huge, but the Bears need to see more glimpses of that player. He also must protect the football better, avoiding interceptions and fumbles. Most importantly, he has to avoid the sacks. He's averaging four per game. This is a stat line that might be enough to convince the Bears to give him one more year.

• 65% passes completed
• 1,900 yards
• 15 touchdowns
• 6 interceptions
• 16 sacks

That isn't an unreasonable stat line for eight games. The challenge will be whether he can manage it against the remaining schedule. Four of the Bears' final eight opponents rank ninth or better against the pass. That doesn't include Detroit or Minnesota, who have formidable defenses as well. Justin Fields won't see a cupcake schedule save him like Mitch Trubisky did in 2019. If he wants to keep his job, he will have to earn it.