Chicago Bears fans recall the days when Justin Fields was their starting quarterback, but not many would remember them as fondly.
Fields is back in the starting lineup as he gets a second chance at being a franchise quarterback with the New York Jets and is already facing criticism for his passing skills. His new head coach Aaron Glenn is tired of hearing it.
"I mean, you have so many people that want to talk about a small amount of plays these guys get to go out there and play," Glenn said per ESPN's Rich Cimini and CBS Sports. "And then everything is falling down because we throw six passes [actually five, last Saturday].
"Then, I mean, he's Johnny Unitas when we throw four passes [in the first game]. So, it bothers me, and I laugh at it quite a bit. But the thing is, I understand it because that's the noise that happens on the outside."
Glenn added that he was "very confident" in the passing game and Fields leading the team in that aspect.
Bears might not agree after watching Fields for three seasons
To be fair to Fields, he was early on his career in Chicago after being the 11th overall pick to the team in 2021. He failed to really dazzle as a passer as he completed just 60.3% of his passes for 6,674yards and 40 touchdowns to 30 interceptions. Where he excelled was his ability to run the ball as he ran for 2,220 yards and 14 touchdowns in three seasons
Fields seemed to have turn around his career a bit last year in Pittsburgh as he made six starts and went 4-2 as the starter. He passed for 1,106 yards and five touchdowns to one interception as well as a completion percentage of 65.8%, a career-high for him. Fields also had 289 rushing yards and five touchdowns.
New York has not had much luck in finding franchise quarterbacks as they thought they would have more than two seasons with Aaron Rodgers, but it was just a mess at the position. Glenn is hoping that will all change with Fields and not worry about drafting a franchise quarterback in the next two years.
If Glenn would ask Bears fans about Fields, it might be a mixed reaction of him as a passer. He showed off his great arm and athleticism in Chicago, but his inaccuracies and decision making cost him more years he could have been in the Windy City.
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Bears fans will cheer for Fields from afar while enjoying the new era with head coach Ben Johnson and quarterback Caleb Williams.