To say that Justin Fields’ NFL career with the Chicago Bears has gotten off to a rocky start would be putting it lightly.
Since being selected by the Bears with the 11th overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft, Fields has struggled mightily, going just 5-22 as a starter.
While the poor record can also be attributed to the Bears’ shoddy roster overall, there is no doubt that Fields’ subpar performance at quarterback has played a significant role in Chicago’s doldrums.
Colin Cowherd of The Volume shared his thoughts on Fields Tuesday morning, comparing him to a fellow struggling young signal-caller: Zach Wilson.
Cowherd acknowledges that Fields, like Wilson, certainly has talent, but it simply has not come together.
Former Miami Dolphins head coach Dave Wannstedt joined Cowherd in the discussion, stating that the Bears are making a mistake by not turning Fields loose and allowing him to run more.
Last season, while Fields labored throwing the football, he flashed supreme athletic ability, racking up 1,143 yards and eight touchdowns as a rusher while averaging an NFL-best 7.1 yards per carry.
Through two games in 2023, Fields has not been nearly as efficient in the rushing attack, carrying the ball 13 times for 62 yards and a score. In Sunday’s loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Fields logged just three rushing yards on four attempts. He did score a touchdown, but his impact was limited.
The Ohio State product played in 12 games with 10 starts in his rookie campaign in 2021, totaling 1,870 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He showed some progression in 2022, finishing with 2,242 yards, 17 touchdowns and 11 picks. Still, Justin Fields has not progressed nearly enough for the Bears’ liking, resulting in many Chicago fans wondering if this is simply Mitchell Trubisky part two.
The 0-2 Bears will battle the Kansas City Chiefs next Sunday.
