Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields encountered persistent issues in his performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last Sunday, echoing concerns from his earlier struggles this season.
Fields, who showcased promise in the season opener against the Green Bay Packers, appeared to falter once more. He exhibited difficulty recognizing open opportunities, displayed inconsistent footwork, and made questionable decisions, prompting former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky to voice disconcerting possibilities regarding Fields’ development.
Orlovsky expressed two potential concerns, suggesting, “Justin, right now, looks like one of two things. He either can’t see the field and can’t read defenses. Or, he has absolutely zero trust and belief in what he’s looking at.”
Orlovsky highlighted specific plays to illustrate Fields’ challenges. One such instance was a play that gained attention on social media, where Roschon Johnson’s route to the endzone appeared wide open. Orlovsky also referenced a sail play in which Fields opted not to make a pass.
Former NFL quarterback J.T. O’Sullivan, in a recent YouTube film breakdown, delved into Fields’ shortcomings and also critiqued the Bears’ overall performance. O’Sullivan not only pointed out Fields’ deficiencies but also assessed the team’s collective struggles.
A recurring theme in both Orlovsky’s and O’Sullivan’s analyses was Fields’ footwork. On film, it became apparent that Fields lacked comfort in the pocket, often displaying choppy footwork and signs of discomfort. His body language failed to reflect the level of confidence necessary for the Bears’ offensive success.
Fields’ ongoing struggles raise significant concerns for the Bears’ offensive potential. If he struggles to read defenses or lacks trust in the offense, it poses a considerable challenge for the team’s ability to generate a productive offensive scheme.
