Why Chicago Bears QB Justin Fields will improve in 2022, despite doubts

The classic approach to running the ball more will help Fields get better.

Fields showed glimpses of his immense potential but his final stats for the 2022 season show a young quarterback who struggled mightily to adjust to the NFL.

He threw for 1870 yards with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He completed just 58.9% of his passes, had 12 fumbles, and was sacked 36 times. Some of the fumbles and sacks can be attributed to a poor offensive line. Fields played a role by holding onto the ball too long.

Expecting him to get rid of the ball quicker, understanding the difference between a wide receiver being NFL open and college open, and reading defenses better is not unreasonable.

Also, a run game can help a quarterback develop. I know it is an old school notion in a pass-happy NFL but it has worked in the past.

New England was a run-first offense as Tom Brady grew into the legend he is today. Marshawn Lynch was the star of the Seattle Seahawks’ offense as Russell Wilson developed into a franchise quarterback. Josh Allen handed the ball off in his second season to a top-10 rushing attack in Buffalo.

Running the ball sets up the play-action pass. Play action sets up a long of big plays downfield. That plays to Fields’ strengths and what Eberflus wants to do on offense.

A good defense can also help Fields develop. Limiting points and getting turnovers will make sure the Bears are not in shootouts. With two young offensive tackles, being in a high-scoring, back-and-forth game is not exactly an ideal situation.

Also, Larry Borom and Teven Jenkins taking a step forward as blockers can go a long way towards Fields’ development. If those two can pass block effectively, Fields will not be running for his life like he did last season.