Bears ridiculed for decision to keep playing Fields

Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) scrambles out of the pocket against the Detroit Lions in the first quarter at Ford Field. Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

Bears ridiculed for decision to keep playing Justin Fields

By Eric Smithling | Last updated 1/1/23

Justin Fields added another electrifying run to his breakout season, this time against the Detroit Lions.

New year, same electric @justnfields ⚡️

: #CHIvsDET on FOX
: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/AUH0WiOw6F pic.twitter.com/TrbTvuxh6I
— NFL (@NFL) January 1, 2023

The pocket collapsed and Fields stepped up and took off for a 60-yard run. If the Bears are smart, it will be his last highlight of the season.

When Chicago found itself trailing 38-10 midway through the third quarter, calls grew for the Bears to take their franchise QB out of the game. It’s not difficult to understand why.

Fields was still in the game during the fourth quarter despite an ugly day in the passing game.

He finished the game 7-of-21 for 75 yards with a touchdown and an interception. His unimpressive stats were due in part to shaky offensive line play.

He took seven sacks, and the constant beating led media members to argue that the time has come for the Bears to sit their second-year QB.

Running Justin Fields out there for another drive would be negligence by Matt Eberflus.
— Patrick K. Flowers (@PatrickKFlowers) January 1, 2023

Time to get Justin Fields outta there. Give him the rest of the season off. He’s earned it.
— Alan Goldsher (@AlanGoldsher) January 1, 2023

Justin Fields is taking a beating with the Bears down 38-10. I'm not sure what is accomplished by leaving him in the game.
— Michael David Smith (@MichaelDavSmith) January 1, 2023

For the love of God get Justin Fields out of the game. Benito Jones is winning pass rush reps for DET, Fields is getting clobbered on almost every play
— Jeff Risdon (@JeffRisdon) January 1, 2023

There’s nothing to gain from playing Fields with just one week left in the season. He’s earned the right to have the Bears build around him this off-season.

He has to improve as a passer, but that won't happen in Week 18 with this roster. The only thing that would put a hitch in him starting next season is an injury.

Fields is 64 yards away from breaking Lamar Jackson’s single-season record for rushing yards by a QB in NFL history (1,206).

It’s tempting to allow him to finish the season to secure the record, but that should be the furthest thing from the team's mind. On Sunday, he ran had 10 carries for 132 yards.

The Bears have plenty of holes to fill before the start of the 2023 season. QB isn’t one of them. Unless Chicago makes it so.

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