Justin Fields flashed something special last season. It wasn't always on display, but the glimpses were there. It was a long run here, an insane escape there, and a precisely timed throw over there. He looked like a professional quarterback that could carry a team on his shoulders. It's why Chicago Bears fans remain so excited about what could happen this season. However, it is also why many remain skeptical. While the flashes were brilliant, the inconsistency was alarming. He still holds the ball too long, can't generate enough passing yardage, and leans too heavily on his legs.
It's a fair criticism. Fields took a big step forward but has plenty left to prove. This coming season is a big one for him. The Bears have to start thinking about whether he is worth exercising the 5th year option in his contract and, by extension, if they can factor him into their long-term plans. Either that, or they have to think about considering a replacement. He can't afford a step back or even tread water. Ascension is a must, and Conor Orr of Sports Illustrated believes he'll do so in grand fashion.
By making the Pro Bowl.
"Fields has one season to prove he can carry the Bears’ franchise moving forward. By this time next year, we will be talking about whether Chicago will pick up his fifth-year option, and whether it’s interested in joining the fray for a quarterback in 2024 (armed with a truckload of picks from the Panthers deal to help them do so). This motivation, combined with better weapons, a second season in the offense and an improved offensive line, makes it something of a no-brainer that Fields will be in consideration for the Pro Bowl nod. The NFC is a quarterback-depressed conference. Last year, Geno Smith, Jalen Hurts and Kirk Cousins were the nominees. I don’t think it’s outrageous to suggest that two of those three names will get shuffled out."
Justin Fields would join rare company.
Only two quarterbacks in the Super Bowl era have ever reached a Pro Bowl in Chicago. Jim McMahon did it while riding the coattails of that outstanding 1985 team. Mitch Trubisky broke through in 2018 as an alternate. Other than that, the Bears have been silent for almost 70 years. So it would be a pretty big deal if Fields managed to break through. He certainly flashed that capability last season. Many felt he was briefly in conversations for MVP votes.
Now that he has a better team around him and more experience in the offense, it isn't crazy to think he'll be much improved. It would be confirmation that Chicago finally has a franchise guy. Then the organization could throw its full weight behind supporting him, and the discussions about replacements can finally go away. Until then, the only thing to do is wait. Fans shouldn't act scared. Don't be afraid to dream big. Fields isn't.
