Justin Fields Unfazed by Bears-Packers Rivalry, Sees Opportunity to Rewrite Narrative
The 2023 NFL season presents a golden opportunity for Justin Fields, the 24-year-old quarterback for the Chicago Bears. As he shows promise for elevating his game, he's also on track to fulfill the franchise's long-held desire for a standout quarterback who can dominate the NFC.
Adding to the allure of the upcoming season is the prospect of Fields turning the tides in the Bears' historically lopsided rivalry with the Green Bay Packers. As the post-Aaron Rodgers era dawns, Fields can begin to rewrite this NFL rivalry story starting this Sunday, when the Packers, led by quarterback Jordan Love, will face the Bears at Soldier Field in the season opener.
Fields acknowledges the Packers' recent upper hand, with Rodgers steering them to 17 wins in the last 20 encounters, and head coach Matt LaFleur boasting an 8-0 record against the Bears. However, Fields isn't weighed down by the past.
"Yes, it's a historic rivalry, but at the end of the day, it's just the first game of this season," Fields noted during a Wednesday press conference at Halas Hall. "We're not fixated on what has transpired before; we are focused on what we can do now. We have a fresh slate this year and the past has no bearing on our performance this Sunday. Our aim is to bring our A-game."
Fields remains undeterred by the Bears' history of quarterback struggles, insisting that he's concentrated solely on factors within his control. Meanwhile, head coach Matt Eberflus is tasked with the delicate balance of highlighting the significance of the rivalry while maintaining focus on the long 17-game season ahead.
"This is not just any game; it's one of football's greatest rivalries," Eberflus commented. "But it's also the only game we have this week, and we aim to excel one play at a time."
This Sunday's game isn't just any game; it's the first in a Bears-Packers rivalry sans Rodgers, an opportunity Chicago fans have long awaited.
While the result will undoubtedly ignite strong reactions�either fanning the flames of Bears-mania across Chicago with a win or casting a dark shadow with a loss�it's an important moment in shaping the narrative for both Fields and the franchise. Last season, Fields showed glimpses of his potential, including a standout performance in a rematch against the Packers. This Sunday marks the beginning of a new chapter�one where Fields could potentially haunt the Packers for years to come, much like Rodgers did to the Bears.
| POLL | ||
6 SEPTEMBRE | 70 ANSWERS Justin Fields Unfazed by Bears-Packers Rivalry, Sees Opportunity to Rewrite Narrative Who will win the game in week 1? | ||
| Bears | 65 | 92.9 % |
| Packers | 5 | 7.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
