Fields discusses win against Vikings, two fumbles in fourth quarter |
CHICAGO - In a season that has been a rollercoaster, quarterback
Justin Fields finally has his first game-winning drive of the season and his second overall win this season. The Bears’ victory against the Minnesota Vikings also marks the first division win under head coach Matt Eberflus and snaps a franchise-tying record 12-game losing streak within the division.
This victory was a defense-led win. The offense failed to put up a touchdown, making them the first team this season to win a game without scoring a touchdown. Wide receiver DJ Moore was a large part of this win and has been a crucial part of the offense all season. In fact, he accounts for 41% of the Bears’ receptions, the highest percentage out of any player in the NFL so far this season with Miami Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill at 40.8%. There were a lot of missed opportunities, however. While the defense forced four turnovers, the offense only mustered three points off those turnovers. Furthermore, in the fourth quarter, Fields lost two fumbles, bringing his season total to seven which is tied for the fifth-most out of any quarterback in the league. Despite nearly losing the game for Chicago, his teammates stuck behind Fields. “First off, can’t fumble. Need better ball security on that and it’s crazy because Roschon (Johnson), I think he fumbled a play or two before I fumbled on the first one,” Fields said. “So, I’m like telling him ball security’s the most important thing right now and then two plays later, I fumble. Then the second one was like a back breaker, but guys never wavered.” Given how the games have gone this season, a 4-8 record is quite disappointing. Of the eight losses the Bears have, they have been leading or tied at the beginning of the fourth quarter in three of those games. They had realistic chances of winning in a few other games as well. However, Fields says the team does not let their record define them. “As a team, we haven’t let our record define who we are. We know who we are as a team. We know what we’re capable of,” Fields said. “It’s really just going out there and doing it, going out there and executing and finishing the way we know how, the way we did tonight and really just cleaning up the mistakes.” His future is uncertain in Chicago. This year is his third season and he has only won seven games in his career. So far, he has been sacked 29 times as he has been sacked at least three times in every game he has played with the exception of the Detroit Lions game where he was sacked twice. Particularly given the play from rookie Tyson Bagent, who would seem to be a solid backup for the future, there are a lot of questions regarding Fields’ future. In addition, the Bears seem likely to land the No. 1 pick in the draft because the Carolina Panthers have the worst record in the NFL right now. Fields, however, is not thinking about these things and is solely focused on the season. “I’m just taking it day-by-day, just trying to get better each and every day, learn from my mistakes and really just be the best that I can be for this team,” Fields said. “So, we’re just going to take one day at a time, one game at a time, focus like that.” The Bears are now on bye. Their next game will be a rematch against the Detroit Lions, this time in Chicago, on Sunday December 10 (Noon / FOX).
