Proof That Expecting Justin Fields To Excel In 2022 Isn't Crazy

Justin Fields isn't getting much love from the national media. It isn't because those people don't believe in him. It is more because they don't believe in his supporting class. Several experts have blasted the Chicago Bears for not doing enough to surround their young quarterback with more help. Their highest offensive draft pick was a 25-year-old wide receiver with one season of solid production. Their offensive line additions include a former backup and four Day 3 draft picks. Byron Pringle, their most high-profile addition at wide receiver, was the #3 guy in Kansas City and got arrested before playing a snap in Chicago. So yeah, it isn't hard to understand why people are pessimistic about Fields. Yet GM Ryan Poles has remained adamant about his belief the offense will improve. Much of that comes from their changes to the coaching staff, especially offensive coordinator Luke Getsy. He brings the much-vaunted outside-zone offense with him from Green Bay. It is a scheme that has had loads of success in places like Denver, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Looking back over its history, it becomes easier to understand why Poles is so confident. While primarily known for its diverse run schemes, the system is often terrific for helping a quarterback excel. [video width="854" height="480" mp4="https://www.sportsmockery.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Breaking-Down-Justin-Fields-Rookie-Season-Baldy-Breakdowns.mp4"][/video]

Justin Fields is in an offense known for swift turnarounds.

Mike Shanahan first crafted the outside-zone back in the 1990s. It became famous during his stint with the Denver Broncos as head coach but really started catching on when he was offensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers. From there, the system would branch out across the NFL under his future assistants like Gary Kubiak, Sean McVay, and his son Kyle Shanahan. One thing was consistent throughout that entire timespan. Quarterbacks almost always seemed to improve from the previous year in their first season playing it.

Steve Young (1993 to 1994)

• Yards: 4,023 to 3,969
• TDs: 29 to 35
• INTs: 16 to 10
• Passer rating: 101.5 to 112.8

John Elway (1994 to 1995)

• Yards: 3,490 to 3,970
• TDs: 16 to 26
• INTs: 10 to 14
• Passer rating: 85.7 to 86.4

Jake Plummer (2002 to 2003)

• Yards: 2,972 in 16 games to 2,182 in 11 games
• TDs: 18 to 15
• INTs: 20 to 7
• Passer rating: 65.7 to 91.2

Joe Flacco (2013 to 2014)

• Yards: 3,912 to 3,986
• TDs: 19 to 27
• INTs: 22 to 12
• Passer rating: 73.1 to 91.0

Jared Goff (2016 to 2017)

• Yards: 1,089 yards in 7 games to 3,804 yards in 15 games
• TDs: 5 to 28
• INTs: 7 to 7
• Passer rating: 63.6 to 100.5

The evidence is pretty steady. Shanahan himself pulled off the feat three different times with Young, Elway, and Plummer. Kubiak pulled off a minor miracle with Flacco, as did McVay with Goff. It is clear that if the quarterback has any ability at all, this offense will help them play with far more efficiency. Touchdowns should increase, and interceptions should drop. That is the primary goal for Justin Fields. Bears fans should not be expecting Pro Bowl numbers. Getsy isn't as experienced in play-calling as all those men were. He might need some time to settle into the job. Still, if he runs a system that mirrors much of what the Packers did the past three years or what San Francisco is doing out west, then Fields will play a lot better.