Justin Fields’ Week 1 Showing Is Getting Savaged By NFL People
On opening day, it was another offensive meltdown for the Chicago Bears against the Green Bay Packers. It would hurt more if it weren’t so predictable at this point. Initial blame for the mess fell at the feet of the coaching staff and the offensive line. Many felt Luke Getsy dialed up too many screens and horizontal pass plays, inviting the Packers defense to play downhill. The line gave up 35 pressures, most coming from the interior. That said, much of the criticism from the fiasco has fallen at the feet of Justin Fields.
Fans or media criticizing him would be one thing. They do that regardless. However, it appears a lot of the heat is coming from legitimate NFL people. Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune got this quote from a scout after the game.
“I’m just not sold on him,” an NFC scout said. “He doesn’t see the field. Holds the ball. Indecisive. Hard to win consistently with a run-first guy. But he’s a very talented runner.”
This criticism carried over into the All-22 reviews. Matt Bowen of ESPN is one of the most unbiased analysts in the business. While he acknowledged the protection issues, he also pinpointed Fields’ consistent inability to hit the open spots when they were there.
Bowen wasn’t alone in this sentiment. Former quarterback J.T. O’Sullivan dissected the tape as well for his QB School channel on YouTube. He couldn’t understand how the Bears quarterback kept missing such opportunities, even when it was clear his guys were wide open.
Justin Fields can’t escape this reality forever.
Many Bears fans remain hopeful he can figure it out. His talent is so unique. However, some have begun losing faith that he will ever figure it out. This is year three. Quarterbacks should know how to attack NFL defenses by this point. Fields can strike for big plays through the air and is a dangerous rushing threat. The problem is he can’t handle the snap-to-snap precision required of an NFL quarterback. His pocket operation is still too slow, his field vision is below average, and his ball placement isn’t always where it should be.
There is still time for the light to go on. History says quarterbacks usually don’t start clicking in this offense until midway through the second season. The Bears will stay the course, giving Justin Fields time to settle down. He must become more aggressive. He must start embracing the idea of throwing with more anticipation. If he can’t do that, then his time as the starter in Chicago runs short. This regime didn’t draft him. Their patience has an expiration date. After 11 straight losses, it’s getting closer.