Why Opening Day Will Be Vital To Justin Fields’ Entire Narrative
Justin Fields has entered the first phase of the off-season with a purpose. All reports indicate he is razor-sharp in practice, making a lot of reads and plays he wouldn’t have last year. It is great to hear. Everybody knows this 2023 season is important for him. Many still doubt the Chicago Bears quarterback is capable of becoming a standout passer in the NFL. Throwing for barely 2200 yards and 17 touchdowns last season didn’t help his case. Still, the arrival of D.J. Moore and upgrades along the offensive line should make his life easier.
Fans aren’t sure what to expect. That is why they should be happy with how the schedule shook out this year. The Bears will face off with the hated rival Green Bay Packers on opening night. No player has more to prove against that team than Fields. He’s played them four times since arriving in 2021. He has thrown for 722 yards, three touchdowns, and six interceptions for a rough 70.7 passer rating. No division rival has given him bigger problems than the Packers. If he’s going to prove he’s learned anything since last year, this is the mountain he must overcome.
Justin Fields wants respect. This is how he’ll earn it.
Bears fans desperately wish to buy into him. They want to believe he’s their franchise guy. It is hard to do that when you’re 0-4 against your biggest rival. People keep saying Aaron Rodgers is the reason this team can’t beat Green Bay. The truth is Bears quarterbacks have consistently struggled against the Packers defense. Fields is merely the latest example. He believes he can be different. Well, to quote the great Ric Flair, “To be the man, you gotta beat the man.” Or, in this case, beat the team that has owned you for 30 years.
Everything is lining up for Justin Fields on opening night. He’ll be at home with plenty of time to prepare for the Packers defense. His supporting cast is the strongest it’s been since he arrived in Chicago. There aren’t any excuses for him not to play well. Another poor outing will raise questions about whether he has what it takes to get the Bears where they want to go. Green Bay has never been more vulnerable. This is Fields’ time to seize the moment. Beating them through the air would answer so many questions.