LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — Bears quarterback Justin Fields knows that there are plenty of opinions about his future with the organization and what lies ahead for him in the NFL.
What matters most to Fields are the opinions of his Bears teammates, who have had his back throughout the team's challenging season. As Fields has been inconsistent and the Bears have struggled, there has been doubt cast upon whether he'll be back in Chicago next season.
For his part, Fields has tried to dismiss the outside speculation and focus on how the Bears feel about him. With his teammates' support as evidence, Fields believes he has showcased his progress in 2023.
“Improvement,” Fields said. “They know. They know. Everybody knows who I am in the building. Like I said, I can control what I can control and that’s it.”
The Bears are currently in line to land No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft by virtue of owning the NFL-worst Panthers' first-round selection. If they do get one of the top two picks, that would allow general manager Ryan Poles the opportunity to draft Fields’ replacement in the form of USC quarterback Caleb Williams or North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye. Of course, Poles could also choose to invest in the future of Fields and use the high pick to improve the team in another way.
The 24-year-old Fields has thrown for 1,976 yards, 14 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 10 games this season. Fields struggled in the Bears' 20-17 loss to the Browns on Sunday, going 19-of-40 for 166 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions, both of which came on Hail Mary throws.
Fields has an 85.6 passer rating in 2023, up slightly from his 85.2 rating in 2022. He has a 42.5 QBR this season, down from his 56.3 mark a year ago.
The Bears rank 22nd in the NFL in both scoring offense and total offense this season.
“Where we want to go, we know that we have to execute better,” Bears offensive coordinator Luke Getsy said. “Period. More consistently is probably the way to say it.
“That’s what we’re looking for – looking for that promise, looking for that growth, and if we can hit this thing consistently, I think we’re just going to take off where everybody wants it to go.”
With its loss in Cleveland, Chicago (5-9) saw its playoff hopes all but officially dashed. Even with the future as the most important focus for the team now, Fields is working to make a final impression ahead of a pivotal offseason for himself and the organization.
Fields stressed that he's playing for his Bears teammates in the final three games of the regular season as they have continued to have his back.
“Means a lot,” Fields said. “They know the work I put in for it every day. I try to lead the team the best way possible. I’m just glad I’m making a positive impact and that my teammates feel that way about me.”
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.