The narratives for quarterback Justin Fields in 2023 were in full swing this past offseason.
Offseason Narratives for Fields
Phrases such as “Third-Year Leap” and “Obtaining a true number one receiver” were mentioned in droves among this fanbase and the national media, as well. Justin Fields was even given MVP nods and was Top 10 in odds, tied with Dak Prescott and just behind quarterbacks Tua Tagovailoa and Trevor Lawrence prior to the season, according to CBS Sports.
Others believed wide receiver Chase Claypool would prove himself in a contract year. That proved unfruitful, as Claypool could not get things going in Chicago and was eventually traded to Miami.
High Hopes Derailed Early In 2023
A rocky start at home against Green Bay and embarrassing losses to Kansas City and Denver quickly derailed hopes for a heroic season from Fields and the Bears in the Windy City. The young quarterback was then sidelined for multiple weeks after a thumb injury in his first matchup against Minnesota.
The Tyson Bagent Experiment
D-2 quarterback Tyson Bagent from the University of Shepherd took the reigns in place of Fields and showed poise and ability in reading defenses and getting the ball out quickly. However, the lack of arm strength was apparent and the Bears passing game suffered a blow. Bagent’s worst game came against the Los Angeles Chargers, throwing two interceptions en route to a 13-30 loss in California. The Bears backup did scrape his way to a 2-2 record, keeping Chicago’s season somewhat afloat.
Justin Fields Returning From Injury
Returning in Week 11, Fields put up a strong effort against Detroit (16/23, 169 Passing, 1 TD, 104 Rushing) but the team collapsed late in the 4th in another loss. The Bears would head to Minnesota and obtain their first divisional win of the Eberflus/Poles era. The team headed into the bye week at a record of 4-8.
Something clicked and the Bears waltzed into Soldier Field and embarrassed the Detroit Lions 28-13. The win highlighted another impressive performance from quarterback Justin Fields (19/33, 223 Passing, 1 TD, 58 Rushing, 1 TD.)
Playoff Possibilities Cut Short
The Bears were now poised to make a late push for playoff contention at 5-8. However, in a game where the Bears yet again took their foot off the gas, they would fall to Cleveland 17-20.
Chicago would then do something they’ve struggled to do this season against a bad Arizona team. Air it out early and punish the defense with the run game. It worked, and worked well, winning that matchup 27-16.
Side note: The Bears are still technically in playoff contention, but they do need a lot of help.
The Home Stretch
Now, the Chicago Bears (6-9) and quarterback Justin Fields take on the Atlanta Falcons (7-8) in Week 17 at Solider Field.
The two teams did face off last season. Fields threw for 153 yards, one touchdown, one interception, rushed for 85 yards, and a score on the ground in that matchup. The Bears would lose via an interception late followed by a 53-yard field goal by Younghoe Koo to win it for the Falcons.
The front office shows no clear indication of what the Bears plan to do in 2024. This very well could be the last time Bears fans and those around the league see Fields playing at home in the Windy City. Two weeks, presumably, remain for the Chicago Bears this season. At the very least, fans of the franchise can appreciate the explosive, playmaking-ability that Justin Fields brought to Chicago if this is truly the end.
Main Photo Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
