Justin Fields Is On The Cusp Of Making Major Bears History

It still doesn't feel like people have quite grasped how good Justin Fields has been this season for the Chicago Bears. When evaluating quarterbacks, it's always about passing stats. The truth is that it has become outdated as more and more of them become legitimate threats on the ground. It started with Michael Vick, and soon Russell Wilson, Colin Kaepernick, and Lamar Jackson followed. Fields is the latest generation to illustrate the value of this style. Even amidst a losing season, the 23-year-old is within striking distance of two notable team records.

As of today, the Bears are the only franchise in the NFL that hasn't had a quarterback throw for 4,000 yards or 30 touchdowns in a season. Erik Kramer came the closest in 1995, dishing out 3,813 yards and 29 touchdowns. Fields isn't going to reach either mark this year, at least not through the air. However, there is a serious possibility he can do it with his combined totals. Through 13 games, the quarterback has amassed 2,804 yards (1,896 passing and 908 rushing) and 21 touchdowns (13 passing and 8 rushing). That means he is 1,196 yards away from 4,000 and nine touchdowns away from 30.

He must average 299 yards and 2.25 touchdowns over the season's final four games to crack both marks. Difficult but far from impossible.

What Justin Fields is doing can't be described as normal.

Look at his supporting cast. Feel free to point out the superstars who are making this season possible. You can't because there aren't any. They don't even have a player on the offensive roster who has made the Pro Bowl. Teven Jenkins looks like the closest thing to that. Jay Cutler is the only QB in team history to pull this feat off, and he did it with Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery, Matt Forte, and Martellus Bennett in the lineup. Don't try to minimize the obvious. This entire offense runs through Fields. He is the one primarily responsible for the #1 rushing attack in football and the team averaging at least 20 points in each of the last six games he has started.

This kid isn't a finished product, but he's already playing like a star. Justin Fields is doing more with less than most quarterbacks in the league right now. It may not show in the win column right now, but the Bears have been competitive in almost every game he's played this season. With a stronger supporting cast next year, there is every reason to think he will morph into something special. Until then, fans should cheer for him to rack up as many yards and scores as possible to get those records.