There is a lot of optimism surrounding the outlook of the Chicago Bears heading into the 2023 season. After a disastrous 3-14 season, which ended in a 10-game losing streak, general manager Ryan Poles got to work upgrading the roster.
Every move that was done, at least on the offensive side of the ball, was completed with quarterback Justin Fields in mind. The No. 11 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft has been dealt a tough hand to start his career, playing with an underwhelming supporting staff.
But, as he now heads into Year 3, there are some pieces in place that will help him elevate his performance, which will hopefully turn into more victories for the team. Right now, his greatest strength as a quarterback is his rushing ability.
Had he not missed two games last season, he very likely would have broken Lamar Jackson’s single-season record for rushing yards by a quarterback. Fields’ dynamic playmaking ability is certainly unique and part of the recipe for the Bears to find success.
Recently, Fields named himself among the greatest rushing quarterbacks in NFL history. He named Jackson, Steve Young, Cam Newton and Michael Vick as the others. While some will love the confidence that the Bears starter is exuding, others have been slightly turned off by it.
One of the people who didn’t love what Fields said was Colin Cowherd. During a recent episode of his radio show on FS1 and FOX Sports Radio, Cowherd said that his confidence level in Fields succeeding dropped a little bit. That is because he sees the comments about being a top rusher as lacking self-awareness more than self-confidence.
“I’ve always been 60/40 that Justin Fields is going to succeed… I’m pulling back 5 percent. Lacks a little self awareness,” Cowherd said.
Cowherd is certainly onto something and provides plenty of reasons why he feels the way that he does. The players which the Bears franchise quarterback mentioned himself among are lapping Fields in terms of production and accolades.
While Cowherd still believes that the Bears have a quarterback who can succeed as their starter, his confidence level has dropped slightly. While he doesn’t believe Fields is approaching the Baker Mayfield or Johnny Manziel level, his answer is one that Cowherd found a little off-putting.
Only entering Year 3 of his career, there is certainly time for Fields to make his argument stronger about being one of the best rushing quarterbacks in league history. Turning things around in the win-loss department for the Bears would be the fastest way to garner more recognition.
