Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields played the first quarter of Week 1's preseason opener against the Tennessee Titans, and in just three passes, he raised expectations for what the Bears' offense can be in 2023.
Fields' day ended with a perfect stat line: 3-for-3, 129 yards, two touchdowns, and a 158.3 passer rating.
Justin Fields on his only two drives today:
— PFF (@PFF) August 12, 2023
🐻 3-3
🐻 129 yards
🐻 2 TDs
🐻 158.3 passer rating
(📸: @ChicagoBears) pic.twitter.com/aNQE78668u
Fields' first touchdown pass was a tunnel screen to wide receiver DJ Moore. The prized offseason addition did the rest, running 62 yards for a touchdown.
The second touchdown was a result of Justin Fields' athleticism and football IQ. He avoided oncoming rushers in the pocket and dumped the ball to running back Khalil Herbert, who scooted 56 yards for the score.
The naysayer will argue that neither touchdown was a downfield pass by Fields, but that doesn't matter. The goal for the preseason opener was for Fields and the offense to operate within the structure of the play, gain yards, and hopefully, score points.
Mission accomplished.
The Chicago Bears' defense fed off of the energy Fields and the offense created, too. The hits became more violent, and the turnovers started flowing.
Justin Fields led the Bears to 14 points and big plays. He didn't have to pick up first downs as a runner, and he didn't look panicked as a passer. He was poised and in total command, and the resulting big plays were the result.
Bears fans can rest easy tonight. Fields was fantastic, and the upside Chicago's passing offense has in 2023 may be higher than any of us imagined.