Chicago Bears: 5 Hot takes on the Bears playoff chances, Khalil Mack, and more
By Evan Bruner
Chicago Bears Hot Take: Justin Fields should be a front runner for Offensive Rookie of the Year
Generally speaking, Offensive Rookie of the Year is typically a quarterback or running back award. With Travis Ettiene out for the year and Najee Harris being stuck behind a bad offensive line, the running back position seems to be out of the picture. On top of this, none of the rookie quarterbacks has started to pull away in the race either.
Trevor Lawrence and Zach Wilson have been plagued by turnovers, Trey Lance still isn’t officially the starter yet, and Mac Jones has looked the best of any of the rookie quarterbacks early on, but his basic stats don’t match up well with past winners. The only other rookie quarterback getting playing time is Davis Mills, who likely won’t be starting once Tyrod Taylor comes back. The lack of strong contenders at quarterback and running back makes Justin Fields’ road to OROY a bit easier.
Justin Fields would have to catch Ja’Marr Chase
Despite the fact no receiver has won the award since Odell Beckham Jr in 2014, Bengals rookie Ja’Marr Chase has taken a comfortable lead in the OROY race. Just like former LSU teammate Justin Jefferson, Chase has hit the ground running to start his NFL career, putting up 456 yards and five touchdowns in his first five games. With Chase currently on pace to put up historic numbers this year, it will take a lot for anyone to overtake him as the front runner to win OROY.
Bottom line
There is a lot of time for things to change between now and week 18, but with how Ja’Marr Chase is playing, Fields will have to be more than just the best rookies quarterback to take the award.