Bears quarterback Justin Fields emerged as the NFL’s most electric rushing quarterback last season. The second-year signal caller rushed for 1,043 yards, second most all-time behind Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson.
Fields made it clear that he doesn’t want to rush for 1,000 yards every season. It was more out of necessity last season as Fields didn’t have the best supporting cast and pass protection.
The Bears would certainly agree: More passing, less rushing in 2023. But, at the same time, that doesn’t mean Chicago is looking to limit Fields’ elite athleticism.
“Most of that is a natural thing once you’re in the moment, but decision-making, we’re working on every single day,” said offensive coordinator Luke Getsy, via NBC Sports Chicago. “Timing and rhythm we’re working on every single day. And lastly, the situation that you’re in. Putting that all together, you’re just increasing the football IQ so you know better when to take those opportunities and when not to, because there are plenty of times on film that he shouldn’t do it, and even though it worked out for us, in the long run, there’s a better decision. There’s a better way.”
While Fields single-handedly kept the Bears in games last season because of his ability to break open a big play, it wasn’t without its consequences. Fields suffered a dislocated left shoulder, which kept him out one game, and injured his hip at the end of the season.
At the end of the day, it’s about Fields picking and choosing when to utilize his rushing ability. But Getsy trusts his quarterback, and he made it clear that they won’t be telling him not to run if his instincts kick in.
“There’s times I can coach and say, ‘You should do this,’ but then his instincts tell him to do something and we have to trust that, too,” Getsy said. “I by no means will make that guy robotic. I don’t believe in doing that with any player. But there’s a way to refine it all and improve our decision-making and trusting our timing and rhythm and we’ll take it from there.”
