NEWSLETTER
The end-of-year stuff is hitting me harder this year because I’m just more aware of it. And when it comes to the end of the Chicago Bears’ 2023 season, there is a sense of finality closing in regarding Justin Fields’ time with the team. There seems to be a growing consensus that the end of the line is coming for Fields as Chicago’s QB1. But that doesn’t seem to be throwing him off one bit.
In his regularly scheduled meeting with the media at Halas Hall, Fields weighed in on a variety of topics. I’ve highlighted some passages below and added some thoughts in an attempt to provide added context and perspective. Enjoy.
Justin Fields maintains his focus
This is a bar:
When I was a senior at Lane Tech High School, I was going through it (who doesn’t at some point when they’re a senior in high school) and expressed as much to my gym teacher. Mr. Backstrom, my gym teacher at the time, imparted some words of wisdom by saying: “Look at me, I’m too blessed to be stressed.” I think about Mr. Backstrom and that quote every so often when life feels overwhelming. And I think about it now because it vibes with what Fields’ “I’ve got too much to focus on today to worry about tomorrow” message. Perhaps this is something we should all take to heart.
Some important self-reflection
Fields had two quotes that I jotted down that were said in a reflective tone:
Self-awareness is underrated. Because we’ve seen other players toss teammates under the bus or deflect blame, I still find it endearing when a quarterback owns up to their shortcomings. Fields is spot on. He has a lot to work on if he wants to become the quarterback he (and many others … present company included) wants to become. I don’t doubt he’ll put in the extra work (we saw him do it in each of the last two offseasons) as he tries to climb that mountain.
Complacency concerns
One thing Fields said that set off alarm bells was the mere mention of the word complacency. After a hot start that saw the Bears jump out to a 21-0 lead, the offense put up just six more points after halftime. The hot-and-cold nature of this offense isn’t anything new. But what gives? Fields tried to explain:
“I think it might be a mixture of execution and a little bit of complacency. We’ve had too many instances this year where we’ve had a lead and given it up. … My job is to stay on those guys and make sure we’re focused on every detail each play we’re out there. Meg oil is to score on every drive. If I do see that lull in the offense, and everybody else, just try to get everybody up.”
Another example of self-awareness from Fields. But it also represents an example of culpability. The Bears’ failure to sustain success throughout the four quarters of a given game starts at the top. And, yes, that means it begins with Head Coach Matt Eberflus and Offensive Coordinator Luke Getsy. But it also includes Fields, who is the de facto leader as this team’s quarterback. This team’s constant sputtering isn’t one person’s fault. After all, you win as a team and lose as a team.
Even still … this isn’t the first time complacency has come up. While discussing play calls that left players unhappy, Bears wide receiver Darnell Mooney brought up how the Bears offense didn’t keep the foot on the pedal and “got comfortable” in the third quarter. And that was in reference to something that happened in Week 15. That we’re bringing up complacency concerns in back-to-back weeks … in Year 2 of this regime … with playoff hopes on the line is unsettling. Frankly, it should count as a red flag counting against this regime’s potential return in 2024.
For the full Justin Fields press conference, you can watch this or check out the video below:
