LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — Bears quarterback Justin Fields has mixed memories of his first NFL start, which came on Sept. 26, 2021 in Cleveland.
"Just being back in Ohio, first start, everybody excited,” Fields said. “And then of course getting sacked too. Hopefully we can change that going back this weekend."
Fields was sacked nine times in the Bears' ugly 26-6 loss to the Browns on a day in which Chicago managed 47 net yards of offense – and just one net passing yard. Then a rookie, Fields was 6-of-20 for 68 yards while leading a Bears offense that didn't have a plan to contain Browns star pass rusher Myles Garrett, who posted a remarkable 4.5 sacks.
As the Bears (5-8) return to Cleveland to battle the Browns (8-5) on Sunday, Fields is now a different quarterback. He’s a third-year player whose continued development has been evident, and he’s the unquestioned leader of a team that has made strides in 2023.
Fields now looks back on that starting debut in Cleveland with a different perspective.
“I mean, you can go on and on,” Fields said. “I've learned a lot of stuff.
“A lot of stuff. A lot of stuff. First start in the NFL to now, I've definitely learned a lot."
The one factor that hasn’t changed is Garrett, who has produced another All-Pro-caliber season. He has 13 sacks in 13 games and represents a potential game-wrecking threat for Fields and the Bears’ offense.
The Bears know their protection plan for Fields must start with slowing down Garrett.
"He’s a freak,” Bears right guard Teven Jenkins said of Garrett. “I mean, that’s what he is.
“His explosiveness, quickness and just overall play strength is otherworldly, really.”
The 24-year-old Fields has taken strides toward becoming a franchise quarterback as he plays out his pivotal third NFL season. Soon enough, the Bears will face a crucial decision at quarterback. They'll have to decide this offseason whether to retain Fields and invest around him or select his replacement in the NFL Draft, where they're in line to land the No. 1 overall pick as they own the league-worst Panthers' first-round selection.
Fields' individual play is making the Bears’ decision more difficult. Since returning on Nov. 19 from a fractured right thumb, Fields has thrown for 609 yards and two touchdowns over three games while adding 221 rushing yards and a score. But Sunday will bring a bigger challenge as he and the Bears face a Browns team that ranks No. 1 in the NFL in total defense.
Sunday will bring a full-circle moment for Fields when he steps back into Cleveland Browns Stadium, this time with with far more comfort in his role.
“It'll be a great test for us this week,” Fields said. “And everybody's excited for the opportunity.”
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.