Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields is having a remarkable season. Not only has he established himself as the NFL's top playmaking quarterback, but his development as a passer over the last few games has his outlook limitless.
Fields is coming off his best day as a passer in Week 13 against the Green Bay Packers when he completed 80% of his passes for 254 yards. It's a performance that will give him momentum into and beyond the Bears' Week 14 bye. But where Fields has been truly special in 2022 is as a runner. He's been so good that he has a legitimate chance to break Lamar Jackson's single-season rushing record for a quarterback.
Jackson ran for 1,206 yards in 2019. Fields currently has 905 rushing yards with four games to play. He must average 76 rushing yards per game to become the new record-holder. It's a reasonable goal for the second-year pro; he's averaged 135 yards per game over his last four contests.
Justin Fields on verge of record despite missing time with injury
Justin Fields already has more rushing touchdowns (8) than Jackson had in 2019 (7), but Jackson's MVP season was remarkable because of how much damage he did as a passer. He threw for 3,127 yards and 36 touchdowns. Fields is averaging 158 passing yards per game and has 13 touchdown passes through 12 games played.
Remember: Fields is inching closer to breaking Jackson's record despite missing one game because of a shoulder injury. Had he played in Week 12, the odds would greatly be in his favor.
Regardless of whether Fields becomes the new standard bearer, his emergence as an elite offensive weapon at the game's most important position is a development that's changed the future of the Chicago Bears. It'd be a great personal accomplishment for Fields if he breaks Jackson's record, and it'll be fun bragging rights for Bears fans. But what matters most is the hope Fields has restored in Chicago for 2023 and beyond.