The Chicago Bears were once again embarrassed in a 33-22 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, where the offense showed improvement but the defense picked up right where they left off after being embarrassed one week ago.
The good news? Rookie quarterback Justin Fields took a big step forward in his development.
Fields showcased exactly why the Bears traded up to the 11th overall pick in the NFL draft, and he was impressive both with his arm and legs. He was poised and decisive with his throws and runs, and you could really see Fields coming into his own in his sixth NFL start.
He completed 70 percent of his passes for 175 yards with a touchdown and a late-game interception that went off the hands of Darnell Mooney. Fields added 103 yards on the ground and a score, becoming the first Bears quarterback since Bobby Douglass to rush for 100-plus yards.
Fields’ skills did not go unnoticed, and he even garnered high praise from teammate defensive tackle Akiem Hicks.
“I’m going to start it off with ‘I’m not a quarterback analyst,’” Hicks said, “but I will say this: He’s elite. Like it’s fun to watch, right? I remember a play where he made like a little spin move and then he took off for another 10 yards. Although it wasn’t a crazy gain, it just says, or it tells the defense, ‘Man, you’ve got to really work on tackling this guy.’ Maybe he slows them down a little bit, so it gives you other options. I think that he made some elite throws. I saw him come across his body and hit somebody in the left corner. I enjoy watching him play. And I look forward to his growth.”
Among Fields’ highlights was a special touchdown throw to tight end Jesse James, as well as an improbable 22-yard touchdown run that was something truly special to watch.
.@justnfields ARE YOU SERIOUS?!? 🤯#SFvsCHI | #DaBears pic.twitter.com/o9vUGJL5h5
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) October 31, 2021
Fields still has a long way to go in his development, but “fun” is the perfect way to describe his performance against the 49ers. It’s what fans saw in training camp and preseason, where Fields is just going out there and playing backyard football and letting his special skillset shine.
Losing games certainly isn’t fun, but it’s nice to see that the Bears might just have something really special in Fields. And his journey is just beginning.
