Fields says offensive struggles can partially be attributed to “complacency” |
CHICAGO - With two games left in the season, quarterback
Justin Fields only has two games left to show Bears nation why he is the quarterback of the future. Despite the 11-point victory last week, there are some plays that Fields wishes he had back as he feels the team left some points out on the field.
Further, they did not meet their goal of 28 points. “We could have scored more if I would have thrown a better ball to Khalil on that pick,” Fields said. “That was a potential touchdown there, and I think we put up 21 points in the first half. You got to score more than six points in the whole second half. So, we left more out there, so I’m just cleaning up those details and focusing on sustaining that hot start throughout the whole game.” That drive when he had the interception is part of the debate about whether Fields is the quarterback Chicago should continue with. After a 39-yard scramble, he turned around on the next play, in the red zone no less, and threw an interception. Seeing his flashes of talent is what makes Fields such a frustrating quarterback to watch. That frustration can really be applied to the whole team. Many times throughout this season, the Bears have garnered a lead and later blown the lead, as they did against the Cleveland Browns two weeks ago. This is a problem Fields attributed to a lack of execution but also “complacency” by the offense. “I think it might be a mixture of execution and a little bit of complacency. But, we’ve had too many instances this year where we’ve had a lead and given it up,” Fields said. “My job is to stay on the guys and make sure we’re focused on each and every detail each play we’re out there. So, my goal is to try and score every drive. But, if I do see that lull in the offense and everybody else, I just try to get everybody up, and I’m just trying to get them to reset and be able to just start the game how we started last game.” Two players who have not been complacent throughout the season are receiver DJ Moore and tight end Cole Kmet. Moore is leading Chicago in receiving with 1,141 yards, while Kmet led the team in receiving last season. This season, however, he has more yards as he has 678 yards. Fields has noted throughout Kmet’s career his improvement in the passing game, while he has always been solid in the blocking game. “He’s always had great hands. I’ve seen him develop the most with his route running. From my first year here to how, he’s developed as a great route runner. He’s always been able to block bigger guys on the line of scrimmage,” Fields said. “But, each and every year, he’s progressed better as a route runner. His speed has gotten up for sure and he’s just a hard worker for sure. Great teammate too.” Going against the Atlanta Falcons this coming Sunday (Noon / CBS), no one on the offense can be complacent. Atlanta has a lot to play for as they are still vying for a wild card spot or the division title. They put up a season-high of 29 points last week against the Indianapolis Colts with Taylor Heinecke coming in at quarterback. With Chicago trying to develop a winning mentality, this is a victory they need going into their finale against the Green Bay Packers and the offseason.
