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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Tyler Nettuno

Bears’ Jaquan Brisker had harsh criticism for NFL refs not adequately protecting Justin Fields

Third-year quarterback Justin Fields had a rough start to the 2023 season, but since returning from injury in Week 11, he’s led the Chicago Bears to two wins in three outings.

Fields has been shaky at times in his career passing the ball, though he’s made some strides down the stretch this season. Where he’s a real threat, however, is running the ball.

He rushed for more than 1,100 yards in 2022, and he’s already at 458 yards and two touchdowns on the ground this season. But that kind of usage hasn’t come without a cost.

Fields has missed four games this season with a dislocated right thumb, and while injuries can come with the territory of being a mobile quarterback, Chicago safety Jaquan Brisker echoed the sentiments of many Bears fans in saying that the officials are not doing enough to protect Fields from hard hits after the play is dead.

Brisker wasn’t the only player who took issue with league officiating this weekend, and the instinct to protect his quarterback, who has the Bears at 5-8 after a 1-5 start to the season, is certainly understandable.

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