After a slow start to the year Justin Fields has certainly began to find his groove, and it’s on the ground. Overall the Bears’ offense has really picked up in the last three weeks with Fields and his legs being a big focal point. In that three week span Fields has a combined 320 rushing yards and 3 rushing touchdowns with his 178 yard record setting game being the big standout.
After a run like that, no pun intended, it’s clear why he’s finally starting to really get people’s attention across the league. Many former critics of the young QB are now changing their tune. Justin Fields ability to move the ball on the ground, especially on crucial downs, is being compared to mobile QB greats like Mike Vick, Colin Kaepernick, as well as current standouts in Lamar Jackson and Jalen Hurts.
Currently he averages 6.6 yards per carry. That number puts him at second overall in the league behind only Lamar Jackson, a player many to consider to be the most explosive in the NFL. That title of “most explosive” is one Fields is starting to challenge Jackson for. Next Gen Stats already has Fields surpassing Lamar being ranked number one overall with an explosive rushing score of 95 (Jackson has an 86). A reason for that jump is likely because of his ability to pick up a fresh set of downs in important moments as mentioned earlier.
Also up there amongst the top of the league is Fields’s total rushing yards this season. With 602 yards on the ground Fields ranks 11th overall in the league and 2nd best of all QBs (again behind only Lamar Jackson). Posting stats like this makes it safe to say Fields has been dominant on the ground, and coaches, players and media have started saying just that.
This surge of recognition will likely only continue too as Fields and the Bears offense develops under Luke Getsy. At the start of the season one of the worst offenses in the league, has quickly found itself among the top scoring units in the NFL. A feat like that will certainly get you some attention from the media and league alike, especially for the dominant player largely responsible. And for Justin Fields this dominance has seemingly only begun.
