Chicago Bears Gameday: 3 Keys to Victory over the Minnesota Vikings

The Chicago Bears need to cut Justin Fields loose

Upon returning from a thumb injury that kept the quarterback sidelined for weeks, it was unclear what type of Justin Fields performance we would see against the Lions. However, Fields seemed to not miss a beat and arguably had one of his better performances despite the team's collapse to end the game.

Specifically, the Bears offense featured Fields as a rusher more so than it had throughout the beginning of the year. The Ohio State product had his best game of the year on the ground and recorded 104 yards on 18 carries, his best numbers in either category since New Year's Day of this year. With an offense that already features a strong and diverse rushing attack, keeping Fields involved in the ground game would help keep the defense honest downfield and could create confusion in the defensive front.

Fields can become a dynamic part of the rushing attack, but his ability as a downfield passer may need to be a larger focal point of this offensive game plan moving forward. Before getting injured, Fields led the NFL in both completions and touchdowns traveling over 20 air yards, and his return a week ago proved that he still has it. Allowing Fields more opportunities to stretch the defense vertically is essential, especially if these deep shots can come via play-action pass, a concept that the Bears can succeed with given their rushing mindset and prowess.

Fields is one of the few quarterbacks in the league who is capable of consistently making game-changing plays both on the ground and through the air, and especially as the 2023 season begins to enter the latter stages, it is important to put the ball in the star play maker's hands to see what he is fully capable of.