Colin Cowherd never shies from an opportunity to voice his opinion. Some of those opinions can be harsh, too. And in a recent episode of his show, "The Herd," the Fox Sports media darling didn't mince words when it came to Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields.
"So, two years in with Justin Fields, he's completing 59% of his throws, almost as many picks as touchdowns, and a bad passer rating. He's a bad quarterback," Cowherd said.
"I've watched guys with worse o-lines play at a higher level."
No more excuses for Justin Fields and the Bears:
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) July 6, 2023
"This should be a playoff team." — @ColinCowherd pic.twitter.com/TmiI5mFeBI
Cowherd compared Fields to Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert, two first-round quarterbacks who developed into stars early in their careers despite a weak supporting cast, namely atrocious offensive lines. Fields, meanwhile, had the benefit of a better-than-bad offensive line in 2022 but still failed to take a significant step forward as a passer.
It's a fair point, but it lacks context.
Fields' 2022 season was, in many ways, an extension of his rookie season. He only started 10 games in 2021 and played under Matt Nagy in an offense that was scrapped before his sophomore campaign.
This season will be the first year Fields is in the same offense in consecutive seasons as a pro. It'll also be the first season that he has a legitimate WR1 at his disposal (DJ Moore) and an offensive line that has the potential to rival some of the better units in the NFC.
Sure, Justin Fields has to improve. He has to get better as a pocket passer and prove he can beat defenses with his arm as much as he can with his legs. The Chicago Bears believe he will. It's why they traded the No. 1 pick in the 2023 draft rather than select Bryce Young or CJ Stroud.
The Bears bet on Fields. Bears fans are betting on Fields.
It's fine that talking heads like Cowherd spit hot takes in July. That's what he's supposed to do. And he knows exactly what he's doing; Anti-Bears content helps his statistics. So, why not trash Fields?
Nothing said, written, or tweeted about Justin Fields this summer will matter once September rolls around. It'll be put-up or shut-up time for the third-year quarterback. And if he has the kind of year the Chicago Bears are expecting, the Colin Cowherds of the sports media landscape will be the ones shutting up.