Justin Fields Has One Area Left To Fix In His Passing Game

Justin Fields has made significant strides in the passing game over the past two months. His timing and rhythm in the pocket has improved. He doesn't hold the ball too long as often as he used to. He's not fooled by disguised coverages and almost always recognizes where the blitzes are coming from. It is night and day compared to where he was at this time last year. However, there is still work for him to do. When evaluating his overall season, it's still apparent Fields suffers from one nagging issue.

He struggles to throw over the middle. Most quarterbacks will tell you the area between the numbers is the most chaotic because there are so many moving bodies. That can make it challenging to process where defenders are and where your receivers are. Through the bye week, Fields has thrown a total of 55 passes over the middle at various levels of depth. He has completed 36 of those passes for three touchdowns and six interceptions. Opponents seem to know he's going to give them some opportunities in that area of the field.

Justin Fields can fix this issue in a few ways.

Working on his rhythm and timing is one way. He's done that. Another is finding a way to get his passes up higher on release. Defenses continue to have success deflecting his passes at the line of scrimmage. This has led to some of those interceptions. Conversely, the Chicago Bears can help him out by acquiring better receivers. Part of the problem is most of those who they have struggle to gain separation, making his throws over the middle more challenging. These issues must be ironed out for the Bears to take that next step.

It's a reminder that Justin Fields has plenty of improving still to do. The fact he is doing what he has should not go unappreciated. If anything, it deserves more coverage than it's gotten. Alas, that is the reality of being a 3-10 team. National coverage is hard to come by, even when your quarterback is playing well. It is a safe assumption he'll be even better in 2023. He should have a better supporting cast by then, along with a deeper knowledge and understanding of the offense.