LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — The Bears have never had a 4,000-yard passer in a single season in their franchise history, a frustrating indictment that showcases the organization's longtime struggle to solidify the quarterback position. As the 2023 season is set to kick off, Justin Fields hopes to change that fact and alter the course of his team's direction along the way.
Entering his third NFL season, Fields is aiming to produce a breakthrough campaign that lifts the Bears into contention after they went an NFL-worst 3-14 in 2022. To accomplish that, the 24-year-old Fields knows he must make significant improvements as a pocket passer.
“I’m ready,” Fields said. “Ready to go.”
The No. 11 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Fields has largely struggled in the passing game in his first two seasons, completing 59.7% of his passes for 4,112 yards, 24 touchdowns and 21 interceptions. He has a 79.7 passer rating in his NFL career, including an 85.2 mark in 2022.
Now, Fields has a renewed hope in the form of a stronger supporting cast, which features dynamic receiver DJ Moore as a dangerous No. 1 target. Beyond him, Fields has established stronger chemistry with receiver Chase Claypool – who had just 14 receptions in seven games with Chicago in 2022 – receiver Darnell Mooney and tight end Cole Kmet.
The Bears also invested in their offensive line in the offseason by selecting rookie right tackle Darnell Wright at No. 10 overall in the NFL Draft and by signing veteran right guard Nate Davis. Last season, Fields was sacked an NFL-high 55 times over 15 starts.
“Just to continue to improve,” Bears general manager Ryan Poles said of Fields. “Want those sack numbers to come down, interceptions to come down, make good reads, protect himself, just see him take that next step.
"You're looking for progress to feel good about."
In his second year leading the Bears, Poles recognizes that this 2023 season will reveal whether Fields is the long-term answer at quarterback or if the team will need turn to somebody else in that role. After the Bears landed the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft, Poles showed faith in Fields by trading the top selection to the Panthers for Moore and a haul of draft picks, including a first-rounder in 2024. Those picks will either be the capital used to invest around Fields or be assets to help find his replacement.
In 2022, Fields threw for just 149.5 yards per game, the fewest by any primary starting quarterback in the NFL. But he rushed for 1,143 yards, the second-most ever in a regular season by a quarterback in league history. Fields' running threat helped activate a Bears offense that led the NFL with 3,014 rushing yards – but which was also dead last with just 2,219 passing yards.
While Fields had spectacular flashes, he was inconsistent overall. The Bears' offense centered around their running game as they sought more from their passing attack.
“We did find our identity a little bit into the year,” Fields said. “But I think we know what we want to do on offense. We know what we want to get accomplished. Of course, we’re going to continue to improve throughout the year as the year goes along.
“Whatever the defense presents, whichever way they’re going to allow us to beat them, that’s what we’re going to do. Whatever I have to do for this team to win, that’s what I’m going to do.”
For Fields, this season carries high stakes because he'll be eligible for a contract extension after it. For the Bears, it's a great opportunity because the NFC North suddenly appears open for the taking.
Eighteen times over the last 20 years, at least one team in the NFL has gone from worst to first in their division. Despite their 3-14 mark in 2022, the Bears have hope of making such a prolific leap up the standings.
To do so, Fields must overcome the weight of expectations on his shoulders and become the franchise quarterback that the Bears have longed to see.
“I just try to be the best version of myself, try to get better each and every day," Fields said. "So, whatever that may look like, that’s what it is.
“We come in every day creating that championship mindset.”
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.