Concerns Mount as Justin Fields Struggles in First Two Games for the Chicago Bears

With two games in the books for the Chicago Bears, there’s already huge concern about the performance of quarterback Justin Fields. The team’s third-year QB hasn’t lived up to expectations and has shown signs of struggling both as a passer and a runner.

In a recent interview on 670 The Score’s Parkins & Spiegel show, Bears starting cornerback Jaylon Johnson admitted that Fields hasn’t been the confident playmaker he was in the 2022 season. Johnson believes that Fields is not himself, pointing to potential mental hurdles rather than physical limitations.

During the 2022 season, Fields showcased his abilities as both a passer and a rusher. He amassed an impressive 1,143 rushing yards, the second-most in NFL history for a quarterback. Alongside his rushing prowess, Fields threw for 2,242 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in 15 starts. These performances led the team to build their offense around him during the offseason.

However, in the first two games of the 2023 season, Fields has struggled. He has completed just 60.6% of his passes for 427 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions. On the ground, he has managed only 62 rushing yards. The lackluster performance has raised concerns among fans and analysts alike.

Support from Teammates

Despite his struggles, Fields has received support from his teammates. Jaylon Johnson revealed that members of the team have offered words of encouragement to Fields, emphasizing the need for him to trust himself and play his game. It is clear that the Bears believe in Fields and are confident that he will bounce back.

Inconsistent Accuracy and Limited Yards

Statistically, Fields has struggled with accuracy and limited yards per attempt in the first two games of the season. According to NextGenStats, Fields has the worst completion percentage above expectation in the NFL, indicating that he is not hitting his intended targets with the regularity he should be. He is currently averaging just 5.0 yards per pass attempt, the second-lowest in the league.

The struggles could be attributed to several factors, including the offensive line’s performance and Fields’ inability to identify open receivers. It is evident that Fields needs to improve his decision-making and field vision to find success in the NFL.

Finding the Right Balance

While offensive coordinator Luke Getsy can play a role in helping Fields by calling more rollouts and designed runs, the rookie quarterback also needs to work on overcoming any mental blocks he may be facing. The mental aspect of the game is crucial, and Fields needs to regain his confidence and trust his instincts.

Teammate Jaylon Johnson believes that when Fields is mentally free and decisive, he has the potential to be one of the elite quarterbacks in the league. It is crucial for Fields to focus on getting back to his playmaking self, whether it be through his passing or rushing abilities.

In Conclusion

Justin Fields’ struggles in the first two games have raised concerns among Bears fans and analysts. While there are several factors contributing to his performance, such as accuracy issues and a limited yards-per-attempt average, Fields has received support from his teammates. The Bears believe in Fields’ abilities and are confident that he will bounce back from these early-season struggles. With the right balance of play-calling, mental preparation, and improved decision-making, Fields has the potential to thrive as the Bears’ quarterback.