Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields made a surprising revelation about his Week 2 performance. Fields said he didn’t feel like he was playing his game and was “kind of robotic” against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Fields said his goal this week against the Kansas City Chiefs is to play football the way he knows how to play. He also added that he wanted to play more with his instincts and think less.
Fields mentioned the conversation with the coaching staff about how he felt was “good,” but he declined to provide details, saying the coaches were receptive to his thoughts about playing more with his instincts.
Fields added that the team and coaches do not take anything personally when holding each other accountable. He believes his own play needs to be better, and coaches are open to feedback on play calls.
Why Does Justin Fields Want To Think Less?
Fields said he thinks it could be coaching but acknowledged the coaches are doing their job by giving him the information he needs to look for. When he’s fed a lot of information, he’s trying to process that information during the play instead of using his instincts.
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When watching the film of the game against the Buccaneers, Fields said there were plays he could have made by using his instincts. He mentioned there were chances to gain a first down that he missed.
Fields referenced a second-quarter strip sack on Sunday as a play in which playing with his instincts would have been better. He said the coaches have worked with him on staying in the pocket during the offseason and that, “When the internal clock goes off, that’s when you need to extend the play. Make a play.”
Fields has been sacked 10 times this season. However, that might not be connected to the coaches wanting him to stay in the pocket more. He was sacked 91 times in his first two seasons, including a league-high 55 times in 15 games last season. Fields, who was drafted 11th overall in 2021, has won only five of his 27 career starts.
How Has Fields Started the Season?
The Bears have lost their first two games, and the team has only scored 37 points. Fields has completed just over 60% of his passes with two touchdowns and three interceptions.
A big difference in Fields’ play this season is his running. He has rushed for 62 total yards in two games with one touchdown. Last season, Fields averaged over 76 rushing yards per game with eight touchdowns.