Criticism toward Justin Fields as a passer came to a brief ceasefire Saturday. And perhaps the Chicago Bears‘ preseason matchup with the Tennessee Titans is a prelude to what’s to come for Fields this season.
Spark Fly in Justin Fields’ Preseason Debut
Fields only needed to throw the football three times in the Windy City.
But his final yardage was 129, and all three of his passes were completed. That’s including this epic catch and run, which saw Fields use his combo of mobility and vision to create this touchdown scamper by Khalil Herbert.
The #Bears offense is rolling! 🔥
Electric catch and run by Khalil Herbert! pic.twitter.com/BrnoXcO5UR
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) August 12, 2023
Despite becoming only the third quarterback to rush for more than 1,000 yards in a season, Fields had been criticized by the media and fans for being more of a runner than a thrower a year ago.
To address that criticism, the Bears went out and traded for a perennial 1,000-yard wide receiver in the Carolina Panthers’ DJ Moore.
Moore and Fields had their first touchdown connection together before the regular season, and it led to the early thoughts of a record-breaking season for Fields by fantasy football analyst Scott Spratt.
Extrapolated over the regular season, Justin Fields is on pace for 204/204 passing for 8,772 yards and 136 TDspic.twitter.com/Jf4DySY9bL
— Scott Spratt (@Scott_Spratt) August 12, 2023
Fields’ most ardent supporter on his epic Saturday, though, was more than likely former NFL linebacker turned media personality Emmanuel Acho, who gave this bold prediction: “Justin Fields will show off and go off this year!!”
Justin Fields is 3/3 with 129 yards passing through 13 minutes of play.
Last year he averaged just 149 yards passing per game.
Justin Fields will show off and go off this year!! 🔥🔥🔥
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) August 12, 2023
Acho even believed that handing the 2021 first-rounder a legit No. 1 target would ignite the QB. Moore is helping prove that claim for the Fox Sports 1 analyst.
“Get Justin Fields a number 1 receiver and watch the Bears transform!!!” Acho said.
Get Justin Fields a number 1 receiver and watch the Bears transform!!!
DJ Moore takes a “now pass” 62 yards to the crib on the opening drive!! 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/O1qsk32C2s
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) August 12, 2023
Outside of Acho, ESPN NFL personality Mina Kimes was another who reacted to Fields’ strong 2023 preseason debut.
“Justin Fields’ skill players doing the work. I’m emotional,” Kimes shared.
Justin Fields’ skill players doing the work. I’m emotional.
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) August 12, 2023
She also reminded herself that’s it OK to feel excited about the Fields/Moore connection moving forward — even though we’re in August.
me: don't overreact to the preseason
also me, watching DJ Moore house a 62 yard screen: pic.twitter.com/9cLf38w2fh
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) August 12, 2023
Fields Was Given Another Major Prediction Before Saturday’s Outing
Even before his flawless passing day, Fields was given one notable major prediction ahead of both Saturday and the upcoming season.
As part of PFN’s 2023 NFL player props predictions, PFN’s Trey Wingo believed that the mobile QB would still be a threat as a runner … this time becoming a league leader by season’s end.
“I love the idea of Justin Fields once again leading the league in QB rushing yards, and I am not sure anyone else is a realistic threat to him having that crown, barring injuries,” Wingo said.
But if Saturday was any indication, Fields is already threatening to build atop his passing totals from the last two years and show that his arm is just as equipped as his legs to carry the Bears.