Nobody can say Ryan Poles didn't do everything in his power to support Justin Fields. Many people were calling on the Chicago Bears GM to make a change this off-season. He needed to trade Fields and go with one of the top quarterbacks in the 2023 draft class. Poles declined. He instead chose to trade for wide receiver D.J. Moore, stockpiled picks, and drafted right tackle Darnell Wright in the 1st round. In addition, he added several other pieces like Nate Davis, Robert Tonyan, D'Onta Foreman, Roschon Johnson, and Tyler Scott. This offense is much deeper and more athletic than last season.
Poles did his part. Now it falls on Fields to do the rest. The Bears GM isn't under any illusions. He knows more should be expected of the young quarterback this year. Reporters asked him about it during the pre-training camp press conference. They wanted to know what he expects from Fields this year. Poles stated two words: just improve. He wanted progress in every area deemed a weakness from last season. However, the GM did have one specific thing he mentioned that needed work.
The two-minute drill.
Ryan Poles didn't mention that by accident.
While passing, in general, was an up-and-down experience for Fields last year, he seemed to be at his worse when in two-minute situations. When trailing with two minutes or less to play, he went 12-of-21 for 116 yards and two interceptions. Not all of that was his fault. His wide receivers and offensive line didn't do much to help make execution easier. Still, one of the biggest demands of a top quarterback is the ability to deliver when time is running out. This inability likely cost them several close games last year.
So what Ryan Poles says is correct. If Fields wants to be the franchise guy, he must show he can deliver in crunch time. This year will be his best opportunity to show it. He'll have a revamped supporting cast around him. It will also be his second season in the same offensive system. That almost always leads to better execution. Fields will remain a threat with his legs, but it will be on his arm if the Bears want to reach the next level. Poles put his faith in him. Now it's time to step up.
