The 2023 Chicago Bears season was dominated by uncertainties revolving around Justin Fields, and these uncertainties will persist as they enter 2024.
The Chicago Bears' 2023 season began on a disappointing note when they suffered a crushing 41-10 defeat to the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on January 1. This game highlighted quarterback Justin Fields' struggles as he went 7-for-21 for 75 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. However, Fields also showcased his dynamic playmaking ability by rushing for 132 yards.
This game marked the culmination of Fields' second half of the 2022 season, which had established him as a dynamic playmaker but also raised questions about his passing abilities in the NFL. The following week, the Houston Texans' victory over the Indianapolis Colts in their season finale secured the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 draft for the Bears, providing a glimpse into general manager Ryan Poles' perspective on Fields.
What followed during the 2023 season was a thorough examination of Fields' growth as a passer and a test for the Bears to determine their franchise quarterback situation. The Panthers' struggles in the 2023 season, with the worst record in the NFL at 2-13, made it a make-or-break season for Fields. With top quarterback prospects Caleb Williams and Drake Maye in the 2024 draft, the Bears faced the question of whether Fields was the long-term solution or if they should consider other options.
This situation forced the Bears to address their quarterback question earlier than they might have preferred, as they traded the No. 1 pick in the 2023 draft for wide receiver DJ Moore and the Carolina Panthers' first-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft.
Fields showed marked improvement as a passer during the 2023 season, with notable growth since returning from a thumb injury in Week 11. He threw for 945 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions while completing 60.0% of his passes. He also rushed for 348 yards and two touchdowns.
However, Fields faced challenges in the fourth quarter, where his improvement as a passer did not consistently translate into winning performances. In late-game situations, Fields ranked last in passer rating (22.1) among quarterbacks with less than four minutes to go. Despite his growth, these late-game struggles raised questions about his ability to win games with his arm in critical moments.
Fields' progress as a passer was evident, but it presented the Bears with a complex decision. They could not be certain if Fields was a franchise quarterback by the end of the 2023 season. While he displayed rare traits, worked hard, and responded to coaching, his deficiencies as a passer were also apparent in some games.
League opinions were divided on the Bears' future with Fields. Some saw his potential and believed he could provide a high floor for the team, while others questioned his ability to win crucial games with his arm.
The outcome of Sunday's game could determine Fields' future with the Bears. Regardless of the decision, Fields remains focused on the present, knowing that his NFL career may or may not continue in Chicago.
Head coach Matt Eberflus emphasized the importance of a strong relationship between the head coach and the franchise quarterback, acknowledging that both face criticism and challenges. Eberflus and Fields have grown together, learned from their mistakes, and contributed to the Bears' improvement in the 2023 season.
As the 2023 season concludes, the Bears are positioned where they were meant to be, and the question for 2024 is what lies ahead for the team and its young quarterback.
| POLL | ||
31 DECEMBRE | 70 ANSWERS The 2023 Chicago Bears season was dominated by uncertainties revolving around Justin Fields, and these uncertainties will persist as they enter 2024. Is Justin fields a good enough QB to win a Super Bowl? | ||
| Yes | 63 | 90 % |
| No | 7 | 10 % |
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