Chicago Bears: 5 players who could earn NFL honors, awards in 2021
By Ryan Heckman
Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields could win Offensive Rookie of the Year
Speaking of Fields, he could be in line to win Offensive Rookie of the Year. His biggest competition will likely come from Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, or maybe a guy like running back Najee Harris of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
It all depends on how soon Fields gets the starting job. If it’s within the first three weeks, there’s a great chance he wins this award. With some of the early odds coming out, Fields is high up on that list. Vegas Insider has Fields as the second-highest odds to win the award at +600. By comparison, Lawrence is +300.
Everything is in place for Fields to succeed as a rookie. All he needs is the opportunity. The Bears’ offensive line should be much better than it was last year, with only one position left to truly figure out (right tackle). Fields has Robinson, Darnell Mooney, David Montgomery, Cole Kmet and Jimmy Graham as his top weapons.
He also has the speed of Marquise Goodwin and Damiere Byrd, assuming they make the roster. And, in the slot, both Anthony Miller and Dazz Newsome provide a lift.
There is no reason Fields couldn’t win this award in 2021, assuming he gets to start early on. A line of 4,000 passing yards, 500 rushing yards and over 30 total touchdowns is fully within reach if he’s given the opportunity — and most believe that opportunity will come earlier rather than later.