Why Justin Fields Could Finish 2021 On An Absolute Heater
Justin Fields played his best all-around football game as a pro in Pittsburgh just over a week ago. He threw for 291 yards including 228 in the second half and delivered a go-ahead touchdown with 1:48 to play. It should’ve been his signature moment of the season. Sadly the defense ruined it by allowing the Steelers to escape with a game-winning field goal. Still, optimism was high coming out of that performance. It feels like the Chicago Bears may finally have their guy.
The next question is obvious. What can he do in the second half of the season? His primary goal will be winning football games, as it should. That might be a challenge given the situation around him though. Even so, there are reasons to think the rookie is poised for a major push down the stretch. One where he plays even better football than he already has. Why is that? There are a few factors.
Most of all the schedule finally loosening up (a bit).
One of the overlooked things about Fields’ time as the starter is the rather shocking array of good opponents he’s had to play. Of the seven teams he has started against since Week 3, five of them currently have winning records. Not only that, but the array of defenses haven’t been easy either. Four of those teams have top 10 pass defenses as of writing this. Those that didn’t include the defending champions Buccaneers and the Cleveland Browns who lead the league in sacks.
Thankfully it appears the final eight games may offer somewhat easier matchups. This includes the Ravens, Giants, and Seahawks. All possess below average-to-bad pass defenses of 29th, 16th, and 25th respectively. He also plays the Minnesota Vikings twice. They’re 14th in that category and won’t have star pass rusher Danielle Hunter for either game.
Justin Fields is battle-tested now and that matters
He was put through quite a crucible since taking over back in September. The fact he made it to the bye week not only still intact but playing some of his best football? It’s hard not to be encouraged by the possibility of what awaits this team down the stretch. He is still a rookie. There will be more mistakes. Especially since he will continue to play in this underwhelming offensive scheme and behind suspect pass protection.
Yet that didn’t seem to stop him from taking those big steps forward. If the schedule plays out as expected and the quality of defenses starts to ease as December approaches? Justin Fields has a chance to go on a legitimate tear. While some may not want that because it runs the risk of saving Nagy’s job, the fact is this is what fans should hope for. The better this kid plays, the greater the prospects are for this team in 2022 and beyond.
The Nagy situation will sort itself out eventually.
Perhaps as early as next Monday depending on what happens against Baltimore. Either way, Fields has a big opportunity ahead of him. A considerable runway that could allow him and the Bears offense to build significant momentum going into next season. Something fans aren’t used to hearing about that side of the ball.