{"id":125806,"date":"2021-12-08T16:39:29","date_gmt":"2021-12-08T21:39:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=125806"},"modified":"2021-12-08T16:39:29","modified_gmt":"2021-12-08T21:39:29","slug":"justin-fields-healthy-back-under-center-for-chicago-bears-down-the-stretch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2021\/12\/08\/justin-fields-healthy-back-under-center-for-chicago-bears-down-the-stretch\/","title":{"rendered":"Justin Fields Healthy, Back Under Center for Chicago Bears Down the Stretch"},"content":{"rendered":"

It hasn\u2019t been an easy couple of weeks, let alone season for the Chicago Bears<\/a> or rookie quarterback Justin Fields<\/a>. The team is just 4-8. Were it not for their win over the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving, they would be on a six-game losing streak. They suffered through one near the end of last season that many felt would spell the end for the current regime.<\/span><\/p>\n

The difference between sentiments over the two versions of the Bears is quite literally Fields and the hope that he brings to a wayward franchise.<\/span><\/p>\n

They\u2019ll need that hope as Sunday\u2019s opponent, the Green Bay Packers, take pleasure in tormenting the Bears. They have for the better part of the last 30 years. That’s including Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers\u2019 message to the fanbase after their last encounter.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chicago Bears Quarterback Justin Fields Alone Makes the Team Worth Watching<\/span><\/h2>\n

Betting the Fields<\/span><\/h3>\n

Wednesday provided the best update we\u2019ve gotten with regards to Fields\u2019 injured ribs. It’s an injury that has kept him from starting the last two contests. Appearing before reporters, the 11th-overall pick in last April\u2019s NFL Draft declared himself healthy (enough). It was announced he would return as lead signal caller this weekend.<\/span><\/p>\n

That little bit of information was the brightest bit of news Bears fans have gotten in some time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

They\u2019ve dealt with poor (and perhaps predictable) performances from players and coaches, injuries, tough losses, and all of the other things that have typically summed up a regular season of Chicago Bears football.<\/span><\/p>\n

This is different.<\/span><\/p>\n

Though mathematically still alive, there is little hope of the Bears making the postseason. And even if they do, there is even less faith they can make any noise.<\/span><\/p>\n

Still, Fields provides that glance into the future worth keeping your eyes glued to the screen. Even if it is just to keep track of his development. Will he show a better understanding of protecting himself and the ball by getting rid of it quicker or sliding as necessary going forward? Will he develop bad habits as a result of poor surroundings?<\/span><\/p>\n

These are the things to look for from a team with very little else in the way of intrigue.<\/span><\/p>\n

Along with David Montgomery, Khalil Herbert, Cole Kmet, and Darnell Mooney, Fields is trying to grow as a player while being taught by a coaching staff that has almost made much more accomplished passers regress under their tutelage.<\/span><\/p>\n

We live for that kind of compelling drama as a society and, if there\u2019s one thing these Bears aren\u2019t short on, it\u2019s drama.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.@justnfields<\/a> is live at the podium.@Hyundai<\/a> | #DaBears<\/a> https:\/\/t.co\/W9s3n4s80h<\/a><\/p>\n

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) December 8, 2021<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n