After a rough start, the Chicago Bears are beginning to get legitimate production out of quarterback Justin Fields. 

The 2021 first-round pick has helped the Bears emerge as a feisty out for opposing teams, if not necessarily a slam-dunk contender to pull off an upset. 

Sunday’s 49-29 loss to the Dallas Cowboys might not look like much on paper, but Fields’ stats tell a different story. He threw for 151 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for another 60 yards and a score, helping Chicago stay with Dallas for most of the afternoon. 

Fields isn’t one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks right now by any means, but the way he’s improving as a passer and refining his already potent ground attack is good news for Chicago’s future. 

The Bears aren’t a 2022 contender as much as they are a team that could surprise down the road. The team will have plenty of money to spend in 2023 in free agency, and Fields is giving potential free agents a reason to believe in the future of Windy City. 

He struggled mightily in 2021 and to start the 2022 season, making some folks wonder if he was yet another mismanaged QB to burn out at Soldier Field. 

Now, he’s already matched his 2021 totals in passing touchdowns this season (7) and has Chicago at a workable 3-5. 

With Chicago offensive coordinator Luke Getsy beginning to program an offense that works more toward Fields’ strengths, the dividends are beginning to pay off. 2022 might not quite be Fields’ breakout year, but 2023 sure could be at this rate.