After the Chicago Bears secured the top pick in this year’s NFL draft, Twitter reactions and the general sports narrative centered on if starting quarterback Justin Fields should be moved.
Fields had stellar rushing numbers in his second season with 1,143 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. He still struggled throwing the football with 2,242 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. His 53.9 quarterback rating was 17th in the league. He also showed a respectable level of durability by starting 15 games this season.
Is Justin Fields the problem in Chicago?
The Bears had the worst receiving core entering the 2022 season, according to Pro Football Focus, and did nothing to change that ranking.
Darnell Mooney appeared in 11 games this season but only had 493 yards receiving and two receiving touchdowns. Many sports analysts predicted Mooney to have a breakout season after a highly productive year in 2021.
Many would say the answer is “no” to Fields being the reason for the Bears’ offensive struggles.
““If you don’t think Justin Fields is the answer, you’re asking the wrong d*** question,” Shannon Sharpe stated this week on “Undisputed.”
“If you don’t think Justin Fields is the answer, you’re asking the wrong damn question.” ✊🏽 let em’ Unc!! pic.twitter.com/bHMiKSeXmR
— HispanicCausinPanic🇵🇷🇵🇪 (@Scar179ny) January 5, 2023
The Bears have never had a 4,000 yard passer in their history. They are currently tied with the Texans for the most starting quarterbacks (10) in the NFL over the last decade.
The Bears have missed the playoffs the past two seasons since Fields’ arrival.
Will Young fix their struggles?
Two of Young’s biggest attributes are his accuracy and strong arm from someone his size. One of the very few questions is about his size, which he makes up for with pocket savvy, mobility and great field vision.
Young is listed at only 6 feet and weighs 195 pounds.
The Bears have signaled that they are willing to trade the top pick and are committed to Fields at quarterback.
Instead of giving up on the young quarterback, like many have also suggested, the Bears should take the Philadelphia Eagles’ approach and surround their young quarterback with talent.
Jalen Hurts was highly criticized before he acquired the tandem of AJ Brown and Devonta Smith. With those two game-changing receivers, the former Alabama QB has answered all questions about his ability to throw the football and orchestrate an NFL offense.
The same can be said for Tua Tagovailoa in Miami. Prior to having the luxury of throwing to explosive Tyreek Hill along with the reliable Jaylen Waddle, Tua was considered a possible bust because of his lack of aerial production. This season the Dolphins offense has been explosive at times.
Should Chicago Bears Draft Another QB?
There’s no need for the Bears to panic. There’s also no guarantee that Bryce Young or Ohio State’s CJ Stroud will be better quarterbacks than Fields, who was definitely looking more comfortable and effective as the season ended. It’s really up to the Bears and GM Ryan Poles to take the responsibility of placing lethal offensive weapons around Fields so he can be the best version of himself.
