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The bar the top quarterback prospects must clear for the Chicago Bears to move on from Justin Fields

By Todd Welter

Dec 31, 2022; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama quarterback Bryce Young (9) carries away the MVP trophy after throwing five touchdown passes during the 2022 Sugar Bowl at Caesars Superdome. Alabama defeated Kansas State 45-20. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2022; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama quarterback Bryce Young (9) carries away the MVP trophy after throwing five touchdown passes during the 2022 Sugar Bowl at Caesars Superdome. Alabama defeated Kansas State 45-20. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports /
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Syndication The Columbus Dispatch
Syndication The Columbus Dispatch /

Will the Chicago Bears take the quarterback who followed Justin Fields at Ohio State?

C.J. Stroud took over as Ohio State’s starting quarterback after Justin Fields left for the NFL. Stroud put up better numbers than Fields during his two seasons as the Buckeyes’ signal caller.

He threw for 8123 yards, 85 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He completed 69.3% of his passes.

He threw for over 40 touchdowns in each season he started. Like Fields, he took Ohio State to the College Football Playoff. Unlike Fields, he was unable to get to the College Football Playoff Championship game. He also could not beat Michigan.

Stroud did put Ohio State on his back in the College Football Playoff game against Georgia. He faced a defense loaded with potential NFL players and delivered a great performance.

https://twitter.com/ESPNCFB/status/1609392592738975744?s=20

Stroud is reported to have bridged the gap between Young and him as a draft prospect. One reason is Stroud has the ideal size for an NFL quarterback.

Stroud is an intriguing prospect but he has some of the same issues Fields had coming out of college. Namely, Stroud struggles under pressure and can be late in his decision-making. He also is not very creative once the play breaks down.

One thing Fields has on Stroud is Justin has been outstanding in the NFL at improvising. Stroud is nowhere near the runner Fields.

Stroud does differ from Fields as C.J. gets rid of the ball quicker.

It would be interesting to see if Stroud could put up better numbers than Fields in the NFL as he did in college.

The reason C.J. Stroud will not be ahead of Justin Fields on Week One is his lack of handling pressure and the inability to scramble. Fields has shown that he can handle the pressure. Fields will either escape with his longs and break a long run or complete a deep pass.

It is true Fields must get rid of the ball faster, but being able to hang in there is a skill Fields has over Stroud. It is an important skill in a league where a pass rush can come at a quarterback in hurry.

The Chicago Bears do not need to replace Justin Fields like Ohio State was forced to do. While Stroud did a great job replacing Fields in college, there is no guarantee he will do it in the NFL.

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