Justin Fields guarantees 4,000 passing yards for the first time in Bears history

The Chicago Bears have a checkered history at quarterback, to put things mildly. The franchise has had a few of the biggest personalities of all time behind center in Jay Cutler and Jim McMahon, with the latter being the only signal-caller in team history to bring home a Super Bowl title. Even though Rex Grossman gave it the “old college try”. Justin Fields will soon become the outlier.

Justin Fields has the talent to be a superstar for the Bears

Regardless of how you feel about the names that have come before, it is not hard to see Fields as an exception among the group. He boasts one-of-one athleticism, often the best athlete on any field he laces up his cleats. In terms of arm talent, there is an embarrassment of riches at the disposal of Chicago.

Now, he has some work to do to reach his sky-high ceiling. Fields could do a better job throwing with anticipation and hitting his pass catchers in more advantageous positions. Many times in 2022, I saw the former Buckeye stunt the momentum of his receiver with less-than-ideal ball placement. To maximize his production as a passer, it would benefit him greatly to hit receivers in stride more consistently.

Nonetheless, the 24-year-old budding superstar is the most talented quarterback in franchise history to this point. Bar none. Fields flexes the dual-threat ability that the new-age NFL covets. If he cleans up his mechanics and increases overall accuracy, a third-year leap is in the cards. And he knows it.

Recently, in an interview with the All Things Covered podcast, Bryant McFadden brought up the fact that NO Bears quarterback has ever thrown for 4,000 yards in a single season. You read that correctly. In the over 100-year storied history of the Chicago organization, not a single passer has reached this mark. Fields is ready to change that.

Fields guarantees 4,000 passing yards for the first time in Bears history

He not only predicted that it would happen — he guaranteed it. “I will. I plan on doing it this year, too. I plan on doing it this year,” Fields said with the utmost confidence. I am not sure if he will succeed, but there is a reason to believe it can happen in 2023. The roster is significantly better on paper than it was at season’s end.

General manager Ryan Poles acquired one of the most underrated wideouts in the NFL, D.J. Moore. He has never played with a quarterback as talented and creative as Fields. Going further, the offensive line added a difference-maker in Darnell Wright at the most recent NFL Draft. The Tennessee product is a dedicated blocker and will keep his quarterback clean. These two additions alone should provide a boost to Fields’ development.

Head coach Matt Eberflus specializes in defense and has been busy adding more pieces to the unit this offseason. If he can get his group to play inspired football and serve as a safety blanket to fall back on for Justin Fields, Chicago could surprise folks around the league. Wins matter more at the end of the day, but a Josh Allen-type ascent is not out of the question for the Bears’ starting signal-caller in 2023.