Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields is "light-years ahead" of where he was a year ago as he eyes a crucial campaign in the 2023 NFL season.
The Bears selected Fields 11th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, and the dynamic quarterback has flashed moments of the incredible talent he possesses. While Chicago ultimately staggered to a 3-14 record, Fields showcased tremendous growth in his sophomore season.
Fields dazzled with his legs, breaking numerous records en route to a franchise-leading 1,143 yards and eight touchdowns. He joined 2019 MVP Lamar Jackson and Michael Vick as the only quarterbacks to register 1,000 yards rushing in a single season.
However, the 23-year-old received heavy criticism with the ball in his hands as a passer as well as a runner. He threw for just 2,242 yards and tallied 17 touchdowns to 11 interceptions while leading the NFL in fumbles with 11.
The Bears clearly believe Fields is the guy who can lead the franchise back to the top after the NFC North team traded down from the first overall pick, adding wide receiver DJ Moore in the process. Ahead of offseason workouts with an exciting offence, offensive coordinator Luke Getsy believes the former Ohio State quarterback is continuing to develop in the right areas.
“Where he was at this time last year to where he is now, I think he's just light-years ahead of where he was,” Getsy said on Saturday, according to the Chicago Tribune. “And I feel like he has a ton more to grow going forward.
“So we're excited to try to get the best out of him moving forward and keep working toward where we think he can go.”
The comments on Fields' progress will only fuel the excitement some Bears fans have regarding their future under their young quarterback after a string of exciting moves behind the scenes to stock up their roster.
With OTAs set to begin shortly, Fields has been putting in hours on the practice field as he hopes to lead the Bears to the top of the NFC North now Aaron Rodgers has left the Green Bay Packers. Bears head coach Matt Eberflus followed Getsy in praising his quarterback for improving his passing mechanics.
“Part of that (needed improvement) is rhythm and timing. That's the footwork with Justin,” Eberflus said. “He's been working on that really, really good in terms of the quick pass, dropback pass, movement pass, and he's really made some big strides in that area coming in so far - on his own and now coming into the phase two (of the offseason), that first week.”
The offensive moves made by the Bears this offseason could see Fields improve his production in 2023. The team extended Equanimeous St. Brown while they signed tight end Robert Tonyan and drafted Tyler Scott.
The addition of Moore is particularly significant given no player finished with more than 550 receiving yards last season. Moore - who joined via a blockbuster trade with the Carolina Panthers - has gone for at least 1,100 yards in three of his five NFL seasons.
