The Chicago Bears have a lot of questions to answer this offseason, and the one regarding Justin Fields is the most important. What will Ryan Poles and Co. do with the first overall pick in the NFL Draft for the second consecutive year?
Tony Dungy on the Chicago Bears and Justin Fields
Former NFL head coach Tony Dungy posed a question in October about the Bears quarterback that’s worth revisiting.
What did we see from Fields in 2023? Let’s first look at the statistics from third-year quarterback and how they’ve improved over his career:
- Games Started: 13 (Previously 15 and 10)
- Passing Attempts: 370 (Career-high, previously 318 and 270)
- Completion Percentage: 61.4 (Career-high, previously 60.4 and 58.9)
- Passing Yards: 2,562 (Career-high, previously 2,242 and 1,870)
- Passing Touchdowns: 16 (Previously 17 and 7)
- Interceptions: 9 (Career-low, previously 11 and 10)
So what do these numbers mean and how do they apply to Dungy’s question? For starters, Fields recorded career-highs in several important categories, but that doesn’t tell the whole story.
In 2023, Fields threw 370 times, a total greater than his previous two seasons despite appearing in two fewer games than a year prior. He also logged a higher completion percentage. This means the Bears threw the ball more than they had before, in the simplest terms. With the welcome addition of DJ Moore, that isn’t a surprise.
In turn, Fields threw for the most passing yards and fewest interceptions of his career, but that’s only part of the equation. Since his numbers have mostly improved, does that make Fields “the guy” for the Bears’ front office?
The data only gives an empirical look at Fields; the other portion is the eye test. Dungy asked in October if Fields is “the guy.” When Fields returned from injury in mid-November, he went on a bit of a tear.
After returning to action, Fields threw five touchdowns and only three picks to close out the 2023 season. The Bears won four of their last seven games and Fields’ command of the offense appeared to be at an all-time high.
Droves of fans at Soldier Field chanted “We want Justin” after the Bears blew out the Atlanta Falcons in Week 17, making it clear clear they wanted continuity.
But does all of this answer the question about Fields being “the guy?”
It’s debatable considering we don’t know how Caleb Williams’ skills will transfer to the NFL stage. One thing we do know is that Fields is learning and improving. His numbers haven’t drastically improved, as some individuals have called for, but that’s okay for now.
If the Bears build around Fields by utilizing the 2024 NFL Draft and free agency, the team could be much better next season. Dungy’s question might not have been answered clearly, but it certainly isn’t a foregone conclusion that Fields ISN’T the guy.
Now it’s up to Ryan Poles to decide if he wants to retain Fields or take a swing at Williams.
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