Here is how Justin Fields can keep his job for 2024
After the Bears' victory over Carolina on Thursday, coach Matt Eberflus provided some insight into the quarterback situation and Justin Fields. Eberflus stated, "When Justin is healthy, he'll be our starter, and we'll see where it goes." This statement confirmed what was already expected, that Justin Fields would resume his role as the starting quarterback once he's back to full health. It was reassuring to hear this confirmation, as it was clear that Tyson Bagent had not done enough to challenge for the starting position.
However, on Friday, there was no further update on Fields' recovery from his thumb injury, and the silence surrounding his future was notable. General Manager Ryan Poles did not offer any resounding votes of confidence for Fields, even after his impressive performances with four touchdown passes in consecutive weeks.
Adding to the uncertainty is the possibility of drafting Caleb Williams, a highly regarded quarterback prospect, especially if the Bears end up with the worst record in the league, which they increased the chances of after defeating Carolina. In this scenario, the Bears would have the first overall pick for the second year in a row, making selecting a quarterback a compelling option.
At this point, it's reasonable to assume that the Bears will closely monitor Fields when he returns to assess whether he can be their long-term starter. Simply drafting another quarterback with the first pick and keeping Fields around to compete for the starting spot doesn't seem like a viable option, unless the preferred quarterback isn't among the top two prospects.
With the potential of acquiring players like Caleb Williams or North Carolina's Drake Maye, Fields could become a valuable trade asset. Losing a rigged quarterback competition to another player would diminish his trade value, making it likely that the Bears would part ways with him.
So, how can Fields convince the team that he's the future starter? He has seven games left to make his case, provided he's healthy enough to return against Detroit. Here are some key areas where Fields will need to show improvement:
1. Consistency: Fields has struggled with consistency throughout his career, with fluctuating passer ratings and completion percentages. He needs to demonstrate more stability in these areas, especially given the improved offensive line and receiver group.
2. Getting Rid of the Ball: Fields has a high sack percentage, partly due to holding onto the ball for too long. He should work on making quicker decisions, either to pass or run, to reduce sacks and avoid holding penalties.
3. Winning: Ultimately, wins matter for a quarterback's evaluation. Fields needs to lead the team to victories, aiming for specific goals like winning divisional games, consecutive games, and home games. He should also develop a knack for late-game-winning drives to enhance his clutch reputation.
With a solid defense and improved offensive pieces, the conditions are right for Fields to succeed and secure his position as the Bears' long-term starting quarterback.
| POLL | ||
12 NOVEMBRE | 56 ANSWERS Here is how Justin Fields can keep his job for 2024 Can Justin Fields keep his job for next season? | ||
| Yes | 42 | 75 % |
| No | 14 | 25 % |
| List of polls | ||
