Chicago rallies around quarterback Justin Fields

All season, there’s been talk about the Chicago Bears moving on from quarterback Justin Fields in the offseason. Fields hadn’t developed as rapidly as the franchise had hoped, and the thought that they could get the number one overall draft pick again had them thinking about other options. However, these past few weeks have started to show that Fields could be the answer, and the fans/players are in complete agreement on that.

This past week, Fields led the Bears to a dominant performance over the Atlanta Falcons. A game in which he completed 20 of his 32 pass attempts for 268 yards and a touchdown. Not to mention that he ran 11 times for 45 yards and another touchdown. The 37-17 win had the Bears fans so excited that the crowd started chanting, “We want Justin!”. For the first time in what feels like multiple seasons, the Bears fans were loud in their support for their signal caller. And the unbelievable support led to some players stepping up and backing him as well.

Jaquan Brisker was asked about his quarterback later and said, “I want Justin. We all want Justin. Let’s go! That’s our guy. That guy makes plays for sure and he’s a leader. We like a guy like that. He’s giving it all he’s got. He’s amazing for sure. You can’t let a guy like that slip.” On top of that, their star receiver DJ Moore said, “I did hear those chants. And I know the box is right there. So, I know they heard that stuff, too.” When Moore referenced the box, he was talking about the front office’s box in the stadium, right next to where some of those chants were taking place.

We aren’t done just yet though. Newly traded for defensive end Montez Sweat said, “He makes plays like the Lamar Jacksons and the Patrick Mahomes’, and guys don’t really hype it up like they would other quarterbacks. I’m happy he’s on my side.” All of these things seem to be coming out at the perfect time. The Bears just recently found out that they hold the number one pick in the draft thanks to the Carolina Panthers. It seemed like the drafting of quarterback Caleb Williams would be an easy choice considering all of the reports coming out of the franchise. Although Fields has made a genuine case to remain under centre, and everybody else is jumping on board to make sure he stays there.

Eddie Jackson said, “You got to appreciate him, man. All the stuff he’s doing, he’s been going through, all the talk about him. He’s been blocking it out and going out here balling and leading this team. You got to tip your hat to a guy like that. He’s shown true resilience. He’s a true leader. He just keeps coming out here every week, denying what everyone says and just proving them wrong.”

What’s crazy is that you can look at his numbers and find out that he’s not having a bad year at all. Fields has completed 61 percent of his passes for 2,414 yards, 16 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. Of course, you want all of those numbers to be better. But he’s also rushed 630 times for four more touchdowns. NOT TO MENTION that he’s only played in 12 games, missing five due to a thumb injury. If I were the Bears, I think I’m trading that first overall pick for more draft capital and building this roster even more around Justin. Who knows, maybe they’re just a few more pieces away.