3 most important factors in a Justin Fields MVP season
By Ryan Heckman
3. Stick to the run game
Everybody wants to talk about the new weapons Fields has at his disposal, but the Bears cannot afford to lose focus. Yes, we want to see Fields allowed to throw far more than he was allowed to last year. Yes, it's worth talking about D.J. Moore as the big offseason addition. But, this is a team that is predicated on running the football. They have to be.
Fields is far more effective as a passer when he's allowed to use play action, rollouts and RPO type pass plays. The run game, in Chicago more than just about any other team in 2023, is what's going to truly translate to a successful passing attack.
Last year, the Bears led the league in rushing with 3,014 yards on the ground as a team and averaging 5.4 yards per carry. They also led the NFL with eight runs of 40-plus yards, thanks to a few of those from Fields, himself.
The last thing the Bears should do is focus far more on passing. They still must be a run-first team, and it has to be obvious. Running the ball well, and consistently, is what's going to open things up for a quarterback like Fields.