Former Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz hasn’t been complimentary of quarterback Justin Fields, calling his performance “completely awful” in Chicago’s Week 1 win over the 49ers.
Fields certainly got off to a rough start in the first six games of the season, where there were flashes but not necessarily consistent progress.
That all changed after the Bears’ mini-bye week following an embarrassing loss to the Commanders on Thursday Night Football. With 11 days in between games, Matt Eberflus and his coaching staff focused on how to improve in all areas.
The biggest improvement has been on offense. After averaging around 15 points per game over the first six weeks, the offense has averaged 31.3 points over the last three games.
Fields has looked like an entirely different quarterback, which was made possible by Luke Getsy catering the offense to fit Fields’ strengths — particularly his athleticism.
And people, including Martz, have certainly taken notice.
“Nobody was more critical than I was,” Martz said, via The 33rd Team. “His struggles were painful watch. Additionally, the talent around him is mediocre at best. Then came Week 7. With that came a change in the offense.”
Martz noted the change in offensive philosophy, with Getsy building the offense around Fields’ strengths.
“He’s gone from a subpar quarterback to one of the most exciting players in the National Football League,” Martz said. “Also, his performance has caused teammates to elevate their game.”
Fields has been compared to players like Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen, who are known for their playmaking ability. But Martz noted Fields isn’t them.
“He’s Justin Fields,” he said, “different and very special.”
"He's different and very special."
Early this season, nobody was more critical of Justin Fields than Mike Martz
This week, the former #NFL HC wrote down his thoughts to explain how Fields has evolved into one of the most exciting young players in the league#DaBears pic.twitter.com/QaIeUHvocP
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) November 9, 2022
It’s good to see Martz is finally getting on board. Better late than never.
