Bears OC Luke Getsy: QB Justin Fields Displays Remarkable Progress Compared to Last Year
As the Bears quarterback, Justin Fields' 2022 season showcased glimpses of the skills that prompted the Bears to trade up and select him 11th overall in the 2021 draft. Although he demonstrated potential as the franchise QB, there's still more progress to be made. With the Bears set to commence offseason workouts and a revamped offense, offensive coordinator Luke Getsy reports that Fields has already shown notable development compared to last year.
"Comparing where he was last year to now, he's light-years ahead," Getsy said, as reported by the Chicago Tribune. "There's still tremendous room for growth, and we're eager to help him reach his full potential."
Despite a disappointing 3-14 record, Fields made significant strides in his second season, especially in the running game. The 23-year-old broke several QB rushing records, amassing a team-high 1,143 yards and eight touchdowns. However, improvements are necessary, as Fields led the league in fumbles (16) and faced challenges in the passing game, throwing 11 interceptions and averaging fewer than 150 passing yards per game. Head coach Matt Eberflus agrees with Getsy that Fields is making progress in key areas.
"Improving rhythm and timing involves footwork with Justin," Eberflus said. "He's been diligently working on quick passes, dropback passes, and movement passes, making significant strides so far."
The Bears' recent offensive acquisitions should provide a solid foundation for Fields' growth in the passing game. Alongside reinforcing the running back and offensive line positions, the Bears bolstered their receiving corps by extending WR Equanimeous St. Brown's contract, signing TE Robert Tonyan, and drafting WR Tyler Scott from Cincinnati.
The most crucial addition came through a trade with the Panthers, which sent the No. 1 pick to Carolina in exchange for WR D.J. Moore and more. Moore, a proven, explosive No. 1 receiver, has three 1,100-plus yard seasons under his belt and finished 2022 with 888 receiving yards despite the Panthers' unstable QB situation.
With no Bears player exceeding 550 receiving yards in 2022, adding depth and a bonafide WR1 was essential for 2023, and it seems Chicago has succeeded in doing so.
While Fields has yet to practice extensively with his new receivers due to rookie minicamps and upcoming organized team activities, Getsy is confident that once Fields and Moore establish a strong rapport, everything will fall into place.
"Regardless of individual talent, if there's no connection between a quarterback and receiver, it doesn't matter," Getsy explained. "Fortunately, DJ's experience playing with different quarterbacks and systems means he won't be fazed by the changes. As Fields and Moore develop their communication, both verbally and non-verbally, their chemistry will only improve."
Although there are months of work ahead, the Bears may have reason for optimism based on the growth they've witnessed and the potential they see in their young quarterback. Time will tell if their offseason moves will translate into much-needed victories for the Windy City.
As seen at: Justin Fields 'Light-Years Ahead of Where He Was' Last Year, Bears OC Luke Getsy Says
| POLL | ||
9 MAI | 69 ANSWERS Bears OC Luke Getsy: QB Justin Fields Displays Remarkable Progress Compared to Last Year Will Justin Fields make the pro-bowl this year? | ||
| Yes | 43 | 62.3 % |
| No | 26 | 37.7 % |
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