Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

1 Concerning Stat Shows Regression For Bears’ Justin Fields

Originally posted on NFL Analysis Network
By Kenneth Teape | Last updated 9/20/23

The 2023 season has not gotten off to the start that the Chicago Bears were hoping for. General manager Ryan Poles made a ton of moves this offseason in hopes of upgrading the roster around quarterback Justin Fields, but through two games, nothing has panned out.

The Bears are 0-2, losing to the Green Bay Packers in Week 1 and Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2. A lot of the same problems that the team had last season have carried over into this season as there isn’t an area of the game they are currently excelling in.

The performance of Fields has been one of the biggest disappointments thus far. The Bears committed to him this offseason, trading away the No. 1 pick and cementing their faith in him as their starter. But the third-year leap they were hoping for has not yet materialized.

As shared by Doug Clawson of CBS Sports, one concerning statistic shows the regression that Fields is currently having. His average pass length has been cut in more than half this year. Last season he was at 9.1 yards, this season he is at 4.5 through two games.

Justin Fields’ average pass length has been cut in half from last season (9.1 to 4.5).

It’s the shortest average throw in the NFL so far this year.
— Doug Clawson (@doug_clawson) September 18, 2023

In both weeks of the regular season, Bears offensive plays have gone viral for ineptitude. Fields has looked lost at times on the field, missing open players and not trusting the scheme and play call.

Some of the regression is certainly due to the supporting cast. The offensive line remains a weak point for Chicago despite assets being dumped into it this offseason. Fields has been sacked 10 times through two games as the protection isn’t holding up.

That has led to him throwing check-downs or missing open receivers as he is getting antsy in the pocket. It is hard to blame him for that as he absorbed a league-high 55 sacks during the 2022 season despite playing in only 15 games.

The coaching staff also isn’t putting him in a position to succeed. Fields’ best attribute is his legs; he is most dangerous when he is moving around with the threat of becoming a runner. Naturally, the Bears are trying to turn him into a pocket passer and have called only four designed runs for him thus far this season.

There is still time to turn things around, but it has to happen soon for the Bears. If they drop to 0-3 on the season, they can basically kiss their playoff hopes goodbye. It certainly won’t be easy as they head on the road to face the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 3.

This article first appeared on NFL Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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