Former SB champ says Bears must bench Justin Fields

Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Former Super Bowl champ says Bears must bench Justin Fields: 'It’s just going to get worse'

By Vinny Somma | Last updated Sep 26, 2023 2:17 PM ET

After an offseason riddled with optimism, the Chicago Bears have come crashing down to reality to begin the 2023 NFL season. Sitting at 0-3 on the year and fresh off a 41-10 beatdown courtesy of the Kansas City Chiefs, the Bears have quickly found themselves in desperation mode.

With uncertainly under center, could the Bears make a drastic change at quarterback in hopes of rejuvenating a roster in fight-or-flight mode?

Former Bears offensive coordinator and Super Bowl champion Mike Martz believes it is time the team benches starting quarterback Justin Fields, fearing the repercussions should Fields remain QB1 in Chicago.

“This whole situation with him demoralized his team. If they don’t make a change, I think it’s just going to get worse — if that’s possible for this to get worse,” Martz said in an interview with The 33rd Team on Monday. “It’s a demoralized football team that’s heading down.”

"If they don't make a change, I think it's just going to get worse — if that's possible."

Former #NFL HC Mike Martz is rooting for the best for Justin Fields, but he doesn't see any real success coming with Chicago this season #DaBears
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) September 25, 2023

You would be hard-pressed to find worse quarterback play through three weeks than what Fields has put on tape this season. The former No. 11 overall pick ranks last among qualifying quarterbacks in QBR with a grade of 21.0 (minimum of 20 action plays per team game). While his offensive line has not done him many favors, Fields has taken 13 sacks this season (tied for second-most in the NFL) and has rushed for 39.86 YPG fewer than he did in 2022.

Despite Fields' shortcomings early this season, the Bears would be unwise to bench the Ohio State product. As things currently sit, Chicago is not a playoff-caliber team. Handing the quarterback reigns over to undrafted free-agent rookie Tyson Bagent or journeyman Nathan Peterman will not morph the Bears into contenders.

While Chicago may have entered the season hoping to battle for the NFC North throne, this season has quickly become about finding out if Fields is the answer under center. With multiple projected top-10 picks in the 2024 NFL draft, the Bears must determine if they are better off using those selections to support Fields or find his replacement.

Vinny Somma

Vinny Somma boasts nearly a decade of experience as a sports writer and editor. He held the positions of NBA and UFC Editor at Heavy. Prior to this role, he acted as the lead contributor for Heavy's coverage of the New York Giants, Boston Celtics and Fantasy Football.

More must-reads: