Things have not been great for Chicago Bears QB Justin Fields in his third year in the NFL. Many analysts predicted a breakout season for Fields following the Bears’ acquisition of veteran receiver DJ Moore from the Carolina Panthers.
Fields has done anything but breakout. In fact, many suggest Fields has regressed as a passer. The problem isn’t his physical talent. The former Ohio State signal-caller possesses all the physical attributes you look for in an NFL QB. Fields has a strong arm, can throw the ball accurately, and has the ability to create something out of nothing.
The issues with Fields appears to be his processing and decision-making within the pocket. Fields moves slowly through his progression, and the lack of processing speed has caused the game to be too fast for him. Fields finds success as a natural athlete, runner, and scrambler but doesn’t possess the necessary skill set to succeed as an NFL QB.
The critics are coming out of the woodwork to pile on the Bears signal-caller, with some criticism stemming from unlikely sources. Former Buffalo Bills RB O.J. Simpson shared his take on Fields.
What Did O.J. Simpson Say About Justin Fields?
Per NFL Insider Jay Glazer, the Bears remain unconvinced that Fields is the future under center for the franchise. The Bears have maximum optionality entering the 2024 NFL Draft with their first-round pick and the Panthers’ first-round pick as well. The Bears acquired the Panthers’ pick in the trade for the No. 1 overall selection, which Carolina used on QB Bryce Young.
The Bears aren’t the only ones unconvinced that Fields is the future. Simpson, never afraid to announce his opinion to the world, had this to say about the struggling Bears QB.
Hey Zach Wilson, the road to your success is @GarrettWilson_V #openyoureyes pic.twitter.com/Oekx99xwUT
— O.J. Simpson (@TheRealOJ32) September 25, 2023
“If Fields continues to think and not react, they got a guy named [Tyson] Bagent, their rookie, that I predict you will be seeing him before the season’s over. Even though I wish Justin Fields the very best, this kid Bagent is just like Brock Purdy.”
Will the Chicago Bears Bench Fields?
Unlikely. Even if the Bears completely tank, why would they bench Fields? If they consider making a move at the QB position, possibly drafting Caleb Williams from USC, Drake Maye from North Carolina, or Shedeur Sanders from Colorado, the Bears will likely search for a trade partner for Fields.
MORE: PFN Life — Off-the-Field Content
If they bench him, what does that say to the rest of the league?
Even Terry Bradshaw knows it’s NOT the QB it’s the coaching! “You’re going to have to hire a coach to come in & fix that Quaterback.. That Quaterback (Justin Fields) is TALENTED!”… No QB in this draft is better than Justin Fields! PERIODTTTT!! Hire a COMPETENT HC (Eric Bienemy)… pic.twitter.com/qm2GHBup1G
— Nestradaumus (@Nestradaumus1) September 25, 2023
Expect Fields to play out the rest of the season for the Bears organization in 2023. Whether he returns as the starting QB in 2024 is yet to be seen and remains a mystery.
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