The Chicago Bears are out of hibernation with Justin Fields improving. Although the Bears haven’t won many games in the 2022 season, they’ been competitive. Can Justin Fields continue to improve and make the Bears a contender next season?

Bears 2022 Season

Once again the Chicago Bears recorded another abysmal season, finishing 3-14 and leaving their fanbase wondering when they’ll see a winner. The 2022 season started with hope of the young Bears growing from the difficult 2021 season. That hope started to blossom into belief when the Bears defeated the 49ers 19-10 in the opener at Soldier Field. But belief is a dangerous confidence, and sneaks-up on you provoking thoughts of greatness.

Since the beginning of the 2022 season the Bears were 4-0– including the preseason; emotions were riding high heading into week two when they would play the rival Green Bay Packers in Lambeau Field.

After the first Chicago led 7-3, and Bears fans everywhere came out of hibernation. But the during the second quarter Chicagos’ defense unravelled; allowing 21-points to an Aaron Rodgers led Packers offense. The Bears lost 27-10. The loss in Lambeau was one of many to come.

Despite the lack of winning, hope lingered. The Bears played close games, and were competitive in parts of them. This was all thanks to Justin Fields improvement from his rookie season.

Fields Improving

Justin Fields was selected by the Bears with the 11th pick in the 2021 draft from Ohio State. Bears fans assumed their savior had arrived, but his first NFL season was challenging.

It wasn’t until week nine that Fields looked like a franchise quarterback. He torched the daunting Pittsburgh defense for 291-yards-passing, one touchdown and one interception. He added another 45-yards on the ground. Unfortunately, the Bears lost that affair 29-27, but the promise he showed in that contest gave fans confidence in the future.

When the 2021 season concluded, Fields threw for 1,870 yards, and completed 58.9 percent of his throws. His seven touchdowns and ten interceptions were expected from the raw rookie signal-caller.

On the bright side, Fields showcased his mobility by rushing for 428-yards and two touchdowns. He was no doubt electric with the ball!

2022 Fields

In the beginning of the 2022 season there was excitement from the fanbase. Hopefully the Bears would come out of hibernation and Fields would improve upon a lackluster rookie campaign.

Once again the Bears couldn’t win enough close games to participate in the NFC North divisional race.

On the other hand, Fields showed improvement. His completion percentage rose from 58 to 60. As a result he threw more touchdowns, 17 to be exact. Because of his accuracy improvement, running lanes opened more frequently. In fact he finished seventh in the league in rushing with 1143 yards on 160 attempts; adding eight touchdowns on-the-ground.

He was resilient, showing great leadership and athleticism even when the team was losing. His never-say-die mentality had opposing fans rooting for him. Every time defenses would kill him for running the ball he’d pop-up, more muddied and grass-stained then before. He was tough–like Chicago!

This toughness showed brightest when the Bears played the Dallas Cowboys. Dallas led after the first quarter 14-0, and scored another 14 in the second. But Chicago made it somewhat interesting by scoring 17 points in the second.

The Cowboys were much better, but Fields was willing the Bears to first downs and subsequently touchdowns. Although Dallas won the war 49-29, Fields won the emotional battle. If the defense hadn’t made Dak Prescott look like Joe Montana; Chicago could’ve won.

Heading into his third season as the quarterback for the Bears; Justin Fields needs to take the next step and takeover games when they need winning plays. His next step in maturity will be the difference in success or failure for the franchise.

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