It’s not often a blowout loss feels like a victory. But that was the case for the Bears on Sunday, where quarterback Justin Fields continued to show his star potential despite some brutal circumstances.
Fields doesn’t have the strong supporting cast or pass protection that a young quarterback needs to succeed. And yet, he flashed with his arm and legs against a top-three Cowboys defense, where he completed 74 percent of his passes for 151 yards with two touchdowns and added 60 rushing yards and a score.
But Fields has taken a beating this season. He’s been sacked 31 times in eight games, and he remains the most-pressured quarterback in the NFL.
Following Sunday’s loss to the Cowboys, receiver Darnell Mooney was the voice of the fanbase when he voiced his concern with Fields taking some hits, especially when he’s on the run and gives himself up.
“He’s got to stop taking hits,” Mooney said, via Courtney Cronin. “I love him, he’s a tough guy. But I don’t need him to be a tough guy anymore. Just get out of bounds or something, because we’re gonna need him.”
Fields was asked about how his body was feeling after two games in five days, especially when you factor in all of the hits.
“It’s a little bit beat up,” Fields said. “My legs were a little bit sore; I couldn’t run 100% today. Hopefully this full week will get me back right and I’ll be able to go out.”
There are still nine games left this season, and Fields has already taken too many hits. Unfortunately, there’s no one coming to save him in the form of pass protection. So the hope is Fields continues to develop and, most importantly, get through this brutal season unharmed.
