Why Justin Fields isn't emerging as Bears franchise QB
In the third year of the Justin Fields era, the Bears are off to an ugly 0-2 start. If Fields doesn't improve, his time in the Windy City could soon be over.
Through two games, the former first-round pick has struggled mightily, completing 40-of-66 passes (60.6 percent) for two TDs, three interceptions and a below-average QBR of 22.2, 31st in the league.
Furthermore, there are other concerns besides the lousy stat line. The 24-year-old looks hesitant and delivers the ball slowly. Per Next Gen Stats, Fields' average TT (time to throw) is 2.98 seconds, tied for the fifth-slowest in the league. As a result, he's more susceptible to pressure, taking 10 sacks in two games, tied for second in the league.
"On multiple occasions, Fields is watching the called play develop exactly as it is drawn up and then ... not targeting a receiver," wrote Sam Monson of Pro Football Focus. "This kind of internal paralysis is extremely worrying because it means he's either not reading the play correctly or is and doesn't trust himself to put the ball in the air."
To be fair to Fields, his supporting cast doesn't inspire confidence. Per PFF, the Bears receiving grade of 62.5 ranks 24th in the NFL. Also, the coaching staff has limited Fields' ability as a runner, only calling four designed runs in two games, via Monson.
Nonetheless, Fields is supposed to be the franchise QB and is expected to carry the team even if he faces less-than-ideal circumstances.
If the QB doesn't start winning games, expect the Bears to move on and replace him in the draft. This year's class is deep, including talented prospects such as Southern Cal's Caleb Williams and North Carolina's Drake Maye.
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