Why Bears fans should be excited about Justin Fields

The Bears fell to 25-5 against Aaron Rodgers and lost their spot as the NFL’s all-time winningest franchise on Sunday, but Chicago QB Justin Fields' strong showing served as the silver lining.

In a 28-19 loss, Fields went 20-for-25 for 254 yards, his most passing yards since December 2021 against Minnesota. He rushed for 71 yards on six attempts and scored a TD. Fields’ 80% completion percentage was the highest for a game in his NFL career. 

Fields also posted a quarterback rating of 90.6, which led all quarterbacks in Week 13 (ratings published before the Saints and Buccaneers play Monday). Fields’ QBR was 0.1 higher than put up by Kansas City's Patrick Mahomes, whose solid effort also came in a loss.

Asked if it were his most complete game, Fields said: “I think this was one of my best games passing-wise. Of course, the stats aren’t going to show that. I felt really comfortable out there in the passing game.” (h/t ESPN's Courtney Cronin)

Fields wasn't sacked, perhaps the most surprising news for Bears fans.

Through Week 13, the Bears' 42 sacks allowed placed them 31st in the NFL in pass protection. Only the Indianapolis Colts (46 sacks) have allowed more sacks. Fields is far more mobile than Colts QB Matt Ryan, highlighting Chicago's pass protection issues.

In the second quarter, Fields connected with Equanimeous St. Brown down the left hashmark for a 56-yard gain — the biggest passing play of the game.

Less than a minute into the fourth quarter, N’Keal Harry found himself wide open following a double-move on cornerback Jaire Alexander, and Fields hit him for a pickup of 49 yards.

Fields also had a 55-yard touchdown run to highlight another impressive game rushing.