Chicago Bears: Early, bold predictions for 2021 offensive leaders

2021 offensive predictions for quarterback Justin Fields

Finally, we get to the toughest player to project: quarterback Justin Fields. The biggest reason why he’s tough to stat out? Nobody knows when he gets his first start.

For simplicity’s sake, let’s say that first start comes in Week 4, giving Fields 14 games in his rookie season. With that in mind, here’s a stab at projecting Fields’ rookie numbers.

256 of 406 (63%)

3,430 yards (245/game)

25 passing touchdowns

75 rushing attempts

490 rushing yards

5 rushing touchdowns

On one hand, these may not be so bold. But, projecting Fields for nearly 4,000 total yards and 30 touchdowns in his rookie year of only 14 games? That’s pretty bold, if you think about it.

The Bears do have a tough schedule this year, too, so projecting Fields for such a strong rookie season hinges on high hopes and a bit of wishful thinking. Still, when you look at Mitchell Trubisky’s best season as a pro, he was just under the above averages. Is Fields going to be a better quarterback than Trubisky in his rookie season? Let’s say he will be.

Fields doesn’t give the Bears their first 4,000-yard passer or a 30 passing touchdown season just yet, but once he gets a full season to start, he’ll get there without a problem.

For now, we sit back and try to enjoy the ride that is the Bears’ quarterback “plan” from head coach Matt Nagy. It’s only a matter of time before the rookie takes full control of the job.