Bears quarterback Justin Fields is entering his pivotal second season, where the expectation is he’ll take a big step forward in his development. But there’s been a lot of concern about Fields entering 2022, which has to do with the talent around him in the passing game and along the offensive line.
He doesn’t have the most attractive supporting cast — with wide receiver Darnell Mooney, running back David Montgomery and tight end Cole Kmet his only proven options. But Chicago is installing a new offense under Luke Getsy that fits Fields’ strengths, which should go a long way in Fields’ development alone.
Fields landed at 23rd on Chris Simms’ top 40 QBs list, which was 16 spots higher than his 39th ranking at this point last year. Fields also ranks ahead of the likes of other young quarterbacks Trevor Lawrence (24th), Jalen Hurts (25th), Tua Tagovailoa (29th) and Trey Lance (31st).
“There’s a lot of wow with Justin Fields,” Simms said. “He made a lot of wow plays, and not just with his legs because his legs are gifted and he’s as athletic as anybody in the sport as far as the quarterback is concerned. He’s up there with Lamar Jackson as far as the ability to run and the wow factor running the ball. But I think the thing I’m most impressed by, going back and watching, is wow, damn, he makes some wow throws every game. Every game. And I think that’s where I went, ‘Man, OK, Justin Fields, a little bit more of a polished passer, a little bit more control with some of the down-the-field, wow-type throws than I gave him credit for.’ And he didn’t have the greatest offense or support system around him, and that’s where I give him a lot of credit.”
When looking at Fields landing just ahead of Lawrence, who was taken 10 picks ahead of him last year, Simms noted Fields showed more consistency in his rookie season, despite the rocky year.
“I honestly thought Justin Fields in the pocket was a little bit better,” Simms said. “We know once he gets out of the pocket he’s special that way…I think within the consistency in the throwing, if you watch throw for throw, you go, ‘Justin Fields controlled the ball throughout the year better than Trevor Lawrence.”
