Bears quarterback Justin Fields is facing an uncertain future in Chicago, where these final games have served as an evaluation period for general manager Ryan Poles.
Chicago is just one Panthers loss away from landing the first overall pick in the NFL draft for a second consecutive year. Only this time, potential “generational talent” Caleb Williams is waiting.
The only person who knows what Poles will do is Poles, and we’ve still got a few months before he has to make his decision. Still, the question is whether Fields has done enough to warrant another look from the Bears.
Offensive coordinator Luke Getsy spoke about the progress Fields has made this season as he states his case for the QB job in 2024.
“I think just regarding Justin, there’s been a tremendous amount of growth,” Getsy told reporters Thursday. “Where he’s … just in this season alone, how far along he’s come — taking care of the football, being in control of the game. I think that’s been the coolest part since he’s come back. I just feel like he’s in control when he’s out there. That’s been a lot of fun to see.
“His ability to progress is better. His footwork is better. The protection part of it is outstanding. The completion percentage part of it is good. He’s throwing the ball accurately. The extended-play part of it has been a lot of fun to see him progress through that. So there’s been a lot of areas. I’m leaving other stuff out. But I think there’s been a lot of really cool stuff that Justin has grown through this year.”
Fields has completed 60.9 percent of his passes this season for 2,146 yards with 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions (two of which came on Hail Mary attempts). He’s also tallied 105 rushes for 585 yards and three scores.
There’s no denying Fields has made improvement in these past few weeks alone, and he’s shown he’s a top playmaker with the ball in his hands. Not to mention, Fields has garnered staunch support from his teammates. But Poles has to ask himself: Can Fields lead this team to a championship?