The 2023 season is a big one for Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields. As he enters Year 3 in the NFL, there are some expectations on his shoulders to have a breakout campaign and help turn the franchise around.
General manager Ryan Poles made a lot of moves this offseason to upgrade the roster around Fields, as he has a bunch of new weapons and blockers offensively that will help him take his game to the next level. The No. 11 pick from the 2021 NFL Draft also isn’t lacking confidence heading into the season.
Fields recently revealed that he believes he is one of the top five rushing quarterbacks in NFL history along with Lamar Jackson, Cam Newton, Michael Vick and Steve Young. Those comments drew the ire of some people, as they believe Fields is exuding false confidence.
However, that wasn’t the only bold comment that the Ohio State product shared. Fields also believes that the Bears’ all-time passing record, as they have never had a 4,000-yard passer, will be going down this season, too.
That is certainly a bold prediction for Fields as the Bears haven’t been a prolific passing team yet throughout his career. In 27 career appearances, with 25 starts, Fields has thrown for only 4,112 yards, doing most of his damage with his legs.
But, there is certainly optimism that the passing game can be taken to a new level this season as multiple weapons were added. Wide receiver D.J. Moore was acquired from the Carolina Panthers as part of the package in exchange for the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Tyler Scott was selected in the fourth round of the draft as well, joining Darnell Mooney and Chase Claypool atop the depth chart. Tight end Robert Tonyan was signed in free agency to pair with Cole Kmet, giving Fields the most weapons he has ever had around him as a pro.
Most importantly, the Bears are also set up well in the trenches. Guard Nate Davis was signed in free agency while their first-round pick was used on tackle Darnell Wright. The protection for Fields should be much better in 2023, which will allow the Bears passing game to rise to another level.
