Have the Bears done enough on offense to help QB Justin Fields?

Last year this time, Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields wasn’t afforded a realistic chance to unseat veteran quarterback Andy Dalton for the starting job. Then-head coach Matt Nagy refused to open the door for a quarterback competition, and in many ways, it set Fields’ development back.

Now entering his second season in the NFL, and his first as an unquestioned starter, Fields is expected to improve. His rookie year didn’t stuff the stat sheet with eye-popping numbers, and he had plenty of reps on Sundays that weren’t pretty. But he also showcased rare playmaking ability, both as a passer and runner, to generate excitement about the Bears’ future.

2 Mins of Justin Fields Plays Last Season, I have a lot of good feelings about my QB1. pic.twitter.com/OPDF447fSL

— gampeen (@gampeenhometurf) April 26, 2022

It was no secret at the start of the offseason that the Bears had to level up the offense around Fields. No matter how talented he is, he can’t sustain drives, score points, or win games on his own. But without a headline-grabbing transaction in free agency or the NFL Draft, Chicago has come under fire for its apparent lack of commitment to Fields and his development.

And that’s unfair.

Poles being methodical in upgrades around Justin Fields

The Bears have taken significant steps at improving the offense around Fields, even if the post-NFL draft narrative suggests otherwise. The addition of Luke Getsy as offensive coordinator for new Head Coach Matt Eberflus should pay immediate dividends, and while new wide receivers Byron Pringle and Velus Jones Jr. won’t win fantasy football leagues, they’re both twitchy athletes who can make plays after the catch.

Pringle has proven during his time with the Kansas City Chiefs that the only thing stopping him from being a quality NFL weapon is opportunity. When given a chance to play, he’s delivered. In fact, if the Bears drafted a second-round rookie with highlights like this one against the Pittsburgh Steelers, media and fans would be overflowing with excitement:

For some weird reason major NFL media outlets are trying to tell you that Byron Pringle is a chump…

He isn’t. pic.twitter.com/w5DQhB3F5D

— Bears Nation (@BearsNationCHI) May 2, 2022

Jones is being underrated, too. He didn’t garner nearly as much attention as some of the other wide receiver prospects in the months leading up to the 2022 NFL Draft, so of course, his higher-than-expected selection has drawn criticism. But that criticism feels unwarranted. Sure, he’s an older rookie, but who cares. With wide receiver contracts blowing up salary caps, it’s difficult to predict whether second deals will be doled out to the position anymore. Jones will be 28 when his rookie contract expires, and if he makes plays on the NFL level as he did for the Tennessee Volunteers, he’ll prove age is just a number.

New Bears WR Velus Jones Jr. Speed kills!! pic.twitter.com/7cnZnzmQIL

— MonstaOfDaTriState (@scar179nyc) April 30, 2022

The offensive line is in the midst of an overhaul, too. Free-agent center Lucas Patrick is a plug-and-play starter and fixes one of the weakest positions from 2021. The 2022 NFL Draft added four new offensive linemen, albeit on day three. But prospects like Illinois’ Doug Kramer and San Diego State’s Zachary Thomas could factor into the interior offensive line this season.

Help for Fields has come in many forms

If you’re keeping score, Fields has a new offensive coordinator, two new wide receivers who will play a big role on offense, a new starting center, and several young offensive linemen who will bring fierce competition for starting jobs. You may not like the names, but the Bears have invested resources into Fields’ growth.

Chicago also added depth at wide receiver with the additions of Equanimeous St. Brown and David Moore. Running back Trestan Ebner will elevate the position group’s pass-catching ability (in fact, he could be moved to wide receiver) as well as flip field position on special teams.

The coaching staff. The wideouts. The offensive line. Special teams. They’ve all improved, even if those improvements are with under-the-radar names who until now have been role players with upside.

Here’s the other part of this analysis that’s been overlooked so far: the offseason isn’t over. Poles has the rest of the spring and summer to poach quality veterans who will be forced to accept one-year deals this season. None of those players will factor into the long-term rebuild, but they’ll help the Bears compete in 2022.

Poles and the Bears are taking a methodical and calculated approach in their rebuild around — yes, around — Fields. It will take longer than one offseason, but a strong foundation is being laid in 2022.