There is a lot of pressure on Justin Fields this season. Going into his third year as the starter, the young quarterback needs to show that he can be an elite talent at the position. While his running ability was top-notch last season, his passing ability left much to be desired. On Good Morning Football, NFL analyst Kyle Brandt said that if Fields can be a top-ten quarterback this year he would be “the biggest thing since Michael Jordan.”
Justin Fields: The Biggest Thing Since Michael Jordan?
Brandt was asked who was under more pressure, Jordan Love or Fields. He emphatically said Fields. The city of Chicago has been longing for an elite quarterback for generations. The last first-team All-Pro quarterback for the Bears was Johnny Lujack way back in 1950. While the team has seen success since then, it is always on the back of their defense and special teams. The last time they made the Super Bowl Rex Grossman was under center. Brandt said that if Fields is a top-ten quarterback in 2023, he will be “the biggest thing since Michael Jordan.” This is not a comparison to be taken lightly in the city of Chicago.
Will Fields Make Another Leap?
The supporting cast is definitely better. Having DJ Moore as the top wide receiver is a huge upgrade from last season. If Chase Claypool can become what the team hoped he would be when they traded for him, the Bears could have a decent receiving duo. Pair this with an improved offensive line and running back situation and the offense has some nice pieces. The playcalling also seems to be favoring Fields. In the first preseason game, the goal was to get the ball out of his hands quickly and into the hands of his playmakers. It all hinges on whether he is able to consistently make good reads and deliver the ball accurately.
Will Justin Fields be as big as Micahel Jordan? That is a high bar to set but it also shows the drought that the team has had at the quarterback position in the last 70 years. There is a lot of pressure on Fields and the Bears. If Fields takes a step back, it will be more pain for this historic franchise.