Unpacking Justin Fields' Preseason Pains: A Deep Dive into His Concerning Throws

The preseason is a time for optimism, for refining plays, and for showcasing growth. However, for Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields, his recent outing against the New York Giants offered more questions than answers, particularly concerning a series of throws that have analysts and fans alike raising an eyebrow.

Fields, entering a crucial season, needs to demonstrate significant strides in his passing game.

Yet, the tape from the Giants game reveals moments of struggle that harken back to previous concerns. Accuracy, particularly on intermediate and deep throws, appeared inconsistent. There were instances where receivers were open, but the ball was either underthrown, overthrown, or off-target, forcing uncomfortable adjustments or leading to incomplete passes.

Decision-making also came under scrutiny.

While it's preseason and offenses are often vanilla, there were plays where Fields seemed to hesitate, holding onto the ball too long, or making questionable choices under minimal pressure. Some throws appeared forced into tight windows when safer options were available, potentially inviting turnovers in a regular-season context.

This suggests a need for quicker processing and a more decisive release.

Mechanically, a few throws highlighted areas for refinement. Footwork, which is foundational for consistent accuracy, seemed to waver on certain plays, contributing to the ball sailing or dying short. Arm angle and release point, though generally good, showed signs of inconsistency when Fields was rushed or attempted to make a play outside the pocket, leading to throws that lacked the necessary zip or trajectory.

It's important to remember that this is preseason, and kinks are meant to be ironed out.

Fields undoubtedly possesses immense talent and athleticism. The concern, however, stems from these being recurring themes rather than isolated incidents. For the Bears to truly contend, their franchise quarterback needs to eliminate these 'concerning throws' from his repertoire and demonstrate the consistent, high-level passing required in the NFL.

The coaching staff will undoubtedly be pouring over this tape, aiming to correct these issues before the regular season kicks off.

Fields' ability to quickly learn from these moments and integrate improvements will be paramount to his and the Bears' success in the upcoming campaign.