For the first time in five years, the Chicago Bears were shut out of the Pro Bowl. They joined the Jacksonville Jaguars as the only two teams who don’t have a representative in the All-Star event.
It’s not a huge surprise considering Chicago has one of the worst rosters in the NFL. But following the emergence of second-year quarterback Justin Fields, there was a belief that perhaps Fields should garner a nod in an underwhelming NFC quarterback group.
The NFC representatives at quarterback were Philadelphia’s Jalen Hurts, Minnesota’s Kirk Cousins and Seattle’s Geno Smith. There’s no questioning the Hurts nod. But you could make an argument for Fields to crack that top three.
NFL.com’s Eric Edholm compiled a list of the league’s biggest Pro Bowl snubs, and Fields topped the list for the NFC.
Some might argue that Fields has room to grow as a thrower, but he’s taken big leaps in that department, completing 68.1% of his passes with 10 TDs and four interceptions in his past six games. That included a strong showing in a loss to the Eagles. Considering his supporting cast, Fields’ passing growth has been admirable.
But we all know why Fields is here, first and foremost. He’s become one of the most dangerous runners at the quarterback position, recently joining Michael Vick and Lamar Jackson as the only NFL QBs to rush for 1,000 yards in a season. In fact, he’s currently on pace to break Jackson’s single-season rushing record (1,206 in 2019).
Fields was also declared one of the most egregious Pro Bowl snubs by the folks over at For The Win.
Stiff competition here too, with Jalen Hurts, Geno Smith and Kirk Cousins getting the nods at the NFC quarterback position.
But I could make an argument for Fields over Smith.
Fields has been magic on the field since the mini-bye week, where he’s made the most of a bad situation in Chicago. Fields has one of the worst offensive lines in pass protection and an underwhelming supporting cast at receiver. Still, he’s singlehandedly kept the Bears in games while making NFL history on an almost-weekly basis.
While we don’t know if Fields was named an alternate (that will be announced later), it’s safe to say Fields will no doubt be in contention to make the Pro Bowl in 2023. Especially when GM Ryan Poles starts surrounding him with a strong supporting cast.
