NFL exec not sure Justin Fields can overcome his two biggest flaws

While many expect Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields to make a big leap in 2023, one NFL executive is pumping the breaks. 

Speaking with Mike Sando for The Athletic's annual quarterback tier rankings, the executive gave two reasons why he believes a breakout may not be in the cards for Fields. 

"The accuracy and anticipation from the pocket, I just don't see it being there," the executive said. "That was the big issue for him coming out. We will see what he looks like with more weapons, but those are two flaws I'm just not sure he overcomes." 

Fields has shown an unreal ability to avoid pressure and is already one of the most dynamic runners in the NFL. However, nearly everyone would agree that Fields must improve as a passer, and soon, if he's to continue his maturation as a quarterback. 

Through his first 25 starts, rushing stats aside, Fields has been disappointing, even compared to former Bears QB Mitchell Trubisky. The 2017 No. 2 overall pick outperformed Fields over his first 25 starts in completion percentage (63.3 to 59.9), yards per game (210 to 162), touchdowns (31 to 24) and passer rating (87.7 to 80.8) while posting a better record (14-11 to 5-20). There are plenty of factors to consider when comparing Fields and Trubisky's starts with Chicago, but it's still not the best look for the Bears QB.

There is a glimmer of hope, however. While Fields' overall numbers in 2022 weren't great, he showed some serious signs of improvement in the second half. 

Through the first six weeks of the season, Fields completed only 54.7 percent of his passes and recorded four touchdown passes to five interceptions with a 72.7 passer rating. From Week 7 on, Fields was a different player, posting a 63.5 completion percentage, an improved touchdown to interception ratio (13/6) and a much higher passer rating at 92.3.  

So, maybe 2023 is the year we see Fields' arm catch up to his legs.