Justin Fields’ growth is one of the primary things we wanted to see from the Chicago Bears in 2023.
If we were to judge growth by win-loss record, then I’d say there is a mixed bag. Because while the Bears have twice as many wins as last year (with two games still left to play), they should have more. After all, the general manager and head coach came into the 2023 campaign with playoff aspirations. But the record in the standings is just one place we can assess Fields’ growth.
With that in mind, I fo𒊎und theseཧ words from Bears Offensive Coordinator Luke Getsy () sharing specific areas in which quarterback Justin Fields has improved to be eye-opening:
“There’s been a tremendous amount of growth. I mean, just in this season alone, how far he’s come ― taking care of the football, being in control of the game. … His ability to progress is better, his footwork is better, I think the protection part of it is outstanding, the completion percentage part of it is good, he’s throwing the ball accurately, I think the extended play part of it is a lot of fun to see him progress through that. So, there’s been a lot of areas.”
The Bears offensive coordinator pin-pointing specific areas of improvement is nice. And some of that even vibes with the metrics. Fields has seen a decrease in interception rate (from 3.5% to 2.8%) and an increase in passing yardage per game (from 149.5 to 195.1). The sack rate has dropped 4.6 percentage points, which feels like a notable win. Fields’ completion rate (60.4% in 2022, 60.9% in 2023) and passer rating (85.2 in 2022, 84.5 in 2023) have both leveled off. His touchdown percentage has taken a hit, dropping to 4.7% in 2023 after being 5.3% in 2022. As has his QBR, which sits at 44.7 (22nd in 2023) after being at 56.3 (15th in 2022).
(Side note: It’s wild to think that Fields’ QBR was better than the likes of Trevor Lawrence, Tom Brady, Kirk Cousins, and Matthew Stafford one year, only for it to fall off into the realm of Sam Howell, Kenny Pickett, and Desmond Ridder. I’m not sure what to make of it. Just an observation)
Looks like the end of the road for Luke Getsy and Justin Fields
It hasn’t been a smooth ride for Luke Getsy and Justin Fields. And as we wind down to the end of the 2023 NFL season, it is becoming apparent that the Getsy-Fields partnership doesn’t have too many more games left on its schedule. Not just because this year is coming to a close but also because of the growing consensus that believes the Bears will be moving on from Fields (and possibly Getsy).
But one lesson my mother taught me that I feel applies to this situation is that it isn’t a good idea to burn bridges. So even though it might feel like Getsy and Fields aren’t in sync with each other, being public about it does nobody any favors.
In the end, I’d like to see Getsy and Fields ride off into the sunset on a high note. There isn’t much to play for other than pride (and the infinitesimal chance of making the playoffs if everything breaks right). At this point, I’m rooting for Getsy to bust out whatever tricks he has left in his bag and for Fields to execute them perfectly. QB1 set out to lead an offense that scored 28 points per game this year. That won’t happen. But he and his OC each have two more games to reach that goal. Go get ’em, gang.
