The Chicago Bears could only sit back and watch as the New York Jets learned exactly why the Bears were so anxious to turn the page from quarterback Justin Fields a year ago. The Jets have now seen the full spectrum with an incredible Week 1 performance, followed by offensive struggles in Week 2's loss to the Buffalo Bills and, now, a run-in with the injury bug.
On Monday morning, NFL Insider Adam Schefter reported that Fields has been put into concussion protocol. It is a serious injury that the league has learned to treat with the proper respect; however, it does serve as an example of why the Bears moved on from the veteran signal-caller.
Bears Vindicated in Decision to Move on From Justin Fields
No matter what Caleb Williams' ceiling might prove to be, the Bears have to be happy that Fields is no longer their problem. The Pittsburgh Steelers first proved this point by benching him for the ghost of Russell Wilson last year before parting ways with both options the following offseason in favor of an aging Aaron Rodgers. Two games into his Jets career, and NY fans have already been a part of the full Fields experience.
Before the injury, Fields managed a 39.6 rating while completing 27.3% of his attempted passes. Running for his life and making poor decisions early in the game helped set the table for the injury. It remains the biggest frustration with a player who has all of the needed tools to be a great quarterback in this league, except for the most important one: consistency.
After enjoying arguably the best start of his career against Pittsburgh in Week 1, Fields appeared completely lost on the football field. Buffalo's defense bullied him and forced bad throws, and gave Fields no reason for confidence, even if he can clear the protocol in Week 3.
It is the story that Chicago fans watched play out for two years, with Fields giving hope of a breakout year, only to completely implode the next week. All the talent is there for the quarterback to establish himself among the league's top stars. The issue remains a lack of consistent decision-making and the inability to stay on the gridiron. He still hasn't played a full NFL season in five years.
Fields is going to benefit from the fact that the Jets appear to be in a rebuilding year and simply have no other reliable answers to turn to. Even if the former Bear misses time due to the injury, there should be a sense of belief that he will return to a starting role as soon as he is healthy.
Bears fans know all too well how the Jets faithful are feeling, and only time will tell if that sentiment persists throughout the 2025 season.