There is a good amount of optimism surrounding the Chicago Bears heading into the 2023 season. That comes on the heels of them having the worst record in the league in 2022, landing the No. 1 pick in the draft. That draft selection is part of what has the franchise heading in the right direction.
General manager Ryan Poles traded the pick to the Carolina Panthers, landing premium draft capital and wide receiver D.J. Moore in exchange for it. Armed with the most cap space in the league, Poles was also aggressive making deals in free agency to upgrade the roster.
All of those moves were made to help quarterback Justin Fields take that next step in his development. The Bears selected Fields with the No. 11 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft after making a trade with the New York Giants.
Results were very mixed as a rookie, but Fields made strides in Year 2. He was doing some eye-popping damage with his legs as a runner, even more, impressive when you take into account how anemic the passing attack was. Chicago was first in rushing offense last season but last in passing.
The Bears are hoping that Fields can develop as a passer, as it would take this team to a whole new level. The early returns this offseason have been very positive as Fields has been working with Michael Vick to rave reviews.
However, there may not be a person that has more confidence in Fields heading into the 2023 season than the scout that spoke to NFL Analysis Network. This scout made a massively bold prediction about what to expect from Fields once things kick off in September.
“I don’t think you’re just going to see a jump from Fields in 2023. Honestly, I’d be shocked if he isn’t a fringe MVP candidate. He has the weapons and the skill to have a massive breakout season.”
That is certainly a bold take from the scout. Fields finished ninth in the MVP voting last season despite the Bears going 3-14 on the season. If they can be more competitive this season, which should be attainable given the upgrades that have been made, the Ohio State product can certainly meet the expectations that the scout has put on him.
The pieces are in place and Fields possesses the tools for that ascension to occur this upcoming season. Now, it is just up to him to execute and make the most of it. There hasn’t been optimism like this in Chicago in a long time but the team looks to finally have a plan in place to get back on track
