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As the NFL offseason progresses, a debate is brewing regarding the potential of Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields as a pocket passer.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler recently reported that several NFL team officials across the league harbor “skepticism” about Fields’ ability to excel in this aspect of the game. These officials question whether Fields can develop into the precise and accurate passer required from the pocket.
Video: "There is some skepticism that exist among some team officials around the league about his ability to get it done as a pocket passer. Can he be that precision guy that you need from the pocket?"
Adds that the Bears believe the offseason upgrades will help him in a big way pic.twitter.com/bVTYIyclmf
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) May 9, 2023
However, amidst the doubts, a member of the Bears organization confided in Fowler that Fields possesses a rare talent that has the potential to elevate an entire team. The Bears firmly believe in Fields’ abilities and are optimistic that the upgrades they have made during the offseason will significantly aid his development.
Fields, who was selected as the 11th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, has exhibited considerable promise in the past two seasons. Notably, his rushing ability has stood out. In the 2022 season, Fields showcased his dynamic skills on the ground, accumulating an impressive 1,143 rushing yards in 15 out of 17 games played. He also recorded eight rushing touchdowns, narrowly missing Lamar Jackson’s single-season rushing record of 1,206 yards set in 2019.
While Fields has demonstrated his prowess as a rusher, his passing statistics have yet to reach the same level. Last season, he threw for 17 touchdowns, but his performance was marred by 11 interceptions and a total of fewer than 2,500 passing yards.
To bolster Fields’ passing game, the Bears have made significant offseason upgrades. They added to their wide receiver corps by acquiring DJ Moore through a trade with the Carolina Panthers and selecting Tyler Scott from the University of Cincinnati in the 2023 NFL Draft. Additionally, they secured the services of tight end Robert Tonyan through free agency.
These additions to the receiving options aim to provide Fields with improved targets and more opportunities to showcase his passing abilities. The Bears organization is confident that the combination of upgraded personnel and Fields’ own development will lead to significant strides in his effectiveness as a pocket passer.
As the 2023 NFL season approaches, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on Justin Fields as he seeks to prove his doubters wrong and demonstrate growth as a pocket passer.
The Bears’ faith in his abilities, coupled with the offseason upgrades, sets the stage for an intriguing journey of development for the young quarterback. Only time will tell if Fields can silence the skeptics and fulfill his potential as a franchise quarterback for the Chicago Bears.