Now, with multiple NFL seasons in tow, the jury is still out on if Justin Fields can be a legit cornerstone starting quarterback in the league. His career has seen more losses than wins, and during the week of Sept. 18, Fields appeared to criticize the Chicago Bears‘ coaching before reiterating his words.
Fields has been under the microscope since his arrival to the NFL.
When Did Justin Fields Get Drafted? Why Did He Fall?
Fields was part of a stacked group of quarterbacks in the 2021 class. He was one of five passers taken on Day 1 of the NFL Draft.
He became the fourth and final NFC quarterback taken at No. 11 overall to the Bears. However, he was once a thought for the top five before slipping.
MORE: Revisiting the 2021 NFL Draft Class
So why did the talented dual-threat QB from Ohio State slip in the draft?
Fields was suddenly criticized for having character issues. He was also accused of becoming a “me” player.
But in going back to his PFN Draft analysis, the weakness that gets pointed out in Fields’ game was his processing and decision-making on the field. While possessing a strong arm, his ability to read a defense was a concern.
Has That Weakness Followed Fields?
Again, Fields is in his third season in the league. And the results so far are:
- 5-22 overall record as a starter.
- 59.8% completion rate.
- 26 touchdown passes with 24 interceptions.
- Sacked 101 total times in 27 games.
- One 1,000-yard rushing season (his second year in the league).
- No playoff appearances.
Fields has also only had one signature win: the 2022 season opener vs. a San Francisco 49ers team that went on to play for the NFC title. And that was a 49ers team with fellow 2021 draft classmate Trey Lance.
Fields pointed out how his struggles stem from thinking too much on the field. But that’s still an indicator he’s having difficulty processing the offense. Chicago may need to dial back on how the playbook is structured and let Fields become the QB he was in Columbus.
But again, in Year 3, the jury’s still out on Fields.