Colin Cowherd isn’t buying any of the hype on Justin Fields. This offseason has seen plenty of hype for the third-year quarterback. He has new weapons, and an improved offensive line, and the division is easier than ever. Many are expecting big things from Fields this season with some going as far as to put him in the MVP conversation for 2023. Cowherd isn’t buying it.
Colin Cowherd Slams Excuses Around Justin Fields
The narrative around Fields has been the roster around him. His poor performances are not his fault because the players around him are so bad. Cowherd isn’t buying this excuse.
“I think an interesting team that has a decision to make is the Chicago Bears, I think are very interesting and so you know, when a team is trying to figure out if their quarterback is the guy they always blame people. It should be noted Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert behind atrocious offensive lines were great really quickly.”
“The Bears O-Line last year was middle of the pack. So, it wasn’t atrocious. So, two years in with Justin Fields, he’s completing 59% of his throws, almost as many picks as touchdowns, and a bad passer rating. He’s a bad quarterback, he’s also 1-8 in Division.”
He has a point. Burrow had an atrocious offensive line and found a way to get to a Super Bowl albeit he did have Ja’Marr Chase to throw to. However, the stats through two years, outside of the rushing numbers, are not great.
Prove It Year
Fields can silence critics like Cowherd this year. The team went out and got DJ Moore and the early returns are looking great. They signed and drafted offensive linemen and are continuing to beef up the defense. Aaron Rodgers is out of the division and the Lions and Vikings are far from runaway favorites. The expectation of Fields being an MVP candidate is a little lofty. For me, he simply has to prove that he can throw the ball effectively. The running ability is great but the modern NFL quarterback has to pass the ball.
Will Justin Fields make Colin Cowherd eat crow? The Bears certainly hope so.