Nothing jumped off the tape more than the remarkable performance of Justin Fields.
The second-year pro rushed for 178 yards—the most ever by a quarterback in an NFL regular-season game—posted a 106.7 passer rating and accounted for four touchdowns via three passes and a spectacular 61-yard run.
Asked what impressed him most about Fields' outing, Eberflus said: "Just the athleticism. The timing of his passing game was great. His deep ball passing has always been good; he's always thrown those very well. The intermediate passing is getting better. His pocket presence is getting better. And then the unscripted athleticism, the plays that he showed with the 61-yard run and the keepers, and really his discernment and his wisdom to be able to get down.
"I know there was one where he had an inside run and he slid after the first down marker. That was excellent. He limited his exposure in there. I think that was an important part going forward, being wise that way. Obviously [he's] just a tremendous athlete and the plays he made in that game to set the record were unbelievable; pretty fun to watch."
Fields' recent emergence has provided a major boost for all of Bears nation, inside and outside Halas Hall. In his last three games, the 2021 first-round pick from Ohio State has rushed for 320 yards and three touchdowns on 37 carries and passed for 453 yards with six TDs, one interception and a 106.1 passer rating.
"It's really good for our whole football team," Eberflus said. "I can see growth throughout the whole football team. And obviously, the quarterback is the No. 1 position in this sport and really all of sports. So it's really a joy to see him mature, see him get better and him wanting to improve every single week, and this week is going to be no different."
