Justin Fields Record Watch: Eagles defense presents opportunity for Fields to run

Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields is chasing history over the final four games of the 2022 season. He needs 302 rushing yards to leapfrog Lamar Jackson, who set the quarterback single-season rushing record with 1,206 yards in 2019.

Fields enters Week 15’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles with 905 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground. It’s a matchup that should allow him to inch closer to the record. The Eagles boast the NFL’s top passing defense, allowing just 178.7 yards per game. Their rush defense is more mediocre, it ranks 18th, surrendering 118.3 yards per game.

If the Bears want to keep Sunday’s game close, they’ll have to rely on the running game. David Montgomery will get his share of carries, but with Khalil Herbert’s return one week away, the lion’s share of the rushing attack will likely belong to Justin Fields.

Justin Fields is averaging over 120 rushing yards per game over his last four contests. While it’s unreasonable to predict he’ll have another performance with over 100 yards as a runner, it’s not outside the scope of possibility.

The Eagles haven’t faced many mobile quarterbacks in 2022. The last true dual-threat passer Philadelphia defended against was Kyler Murray. The Eagles played the Arizona Cardinals in Week 5 and limited Murray to 42 yards on four carries.

It’s unfair to compare any running quarterback to Justin Fields, though. Murray is a fantastic runner in his own right, but Fields is different. His size, rare athleticism, and field vision make him one of the most dangerous pure runners in the game.

Kickoff between the Bears and Eagles is scheduled for 12 p.m. CST from Soldier Field in Chicago.