LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — In an ugly 38-20 loss to the Packers on Sunday, Bears quarterback Justin Fields often threw checkdown passes rather than taking opportunities and chances downfield.
Fields attempted only four passes beyond 10 yards from the line of scrimmage in the loss, going 2-of-4 for 43 yards, one touchdown and one interception. No. 1 receiver DJ Moore had just two receptions on a pair of targets, while receiver Chase Claypool had no catches on two targets.
After assessing his performance, Fields acknowledged Wednesday that he needs to be more aggressive with opportunities downfield.
“I felt like I was a little bit too conservative at times during the game,” Fields said. “Definitely with guys like DJ and Chase on the outside, if we do have one-on-one on the outside, potentially throwing it up and seeing what happens. With them, they’re great playmakers and they can most likely come up with a 50-50 ball. Definitely want to give them more chances deep down the field.”
Fields was 24-of-37 for 216 yards, one touchdown and an interception that was returned for a touchdown Sunday. Now in his third NFL season, Fields has averaged 154.6 passing yards over 28 career games.
Fields’ best throw came on a 20-yard touchdown strike to receiver Darnell Mooney late in the third quarter. But he often passed up chances downfield and settled for short passes near the line of scrimmage. The Bears’ leading receiver was running back Roschon Johnson, who had in six receptions for 35 yards.
The Bears take on the Buccaneers on Sunday at Raymond James Stadium. Fields has turned his focus to bouncing back from the opening loss.
“There’s always a number of plays that you wish you would’ve had back,” Fields said. “I mean, yeah, you’re never going to get perfect quarterback play but you go back and really, at any position, you want to do better on this play or do something different that you wish you would’ve done different, especially if it doesn’t come out your way at the end of the day. A lot of stuff to learn from and a lot of stuff to get better from, for sure.”
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.