Bears QB Justin Fields working to improve specific aspect of game

Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields believes he can improve as a passer by getting the ball out of his hands faster during his third pro season. 

"Just being more consistent with my quick game stuff," Fields told Larry Mayer of the Bears' website about what he's working on this spring. "I feel like down the field I'm pretty accurate. Just being more consistent with getting the ball out faster, being more accurate, giving my wide receivers, my running backs, tight ends a better chance to catch the ball and run for extra yards. I'm focusing pretty hard on that this offseason."

Fields undeniably excelled as a runner during his first year working under Bears head coach Matt Eberflus. Per ESPN stats, the 24-year-old was first among quarterbacks and seventh among all players with 1,143 rushing yards across 15 games this past season. He also contributed eight rushing touchdowns. 

However, Fields failed to silence critics regarding his passing abilities. He ended the regular season ranked 32nd out of 34 qualified quarterbacks with a 60.4% completion percentage and matched 17 touchdown throws with 11 interceptions. Eberflus explained earlier this month that Fields is spending a second-consecutive offseason working on footwork because the Bears, as a whole, must "improve in the passing game."

Bears general manager Ryan Poles recently voiced his support for Fields and noted he believes the young signal-caller "can take the next step to get this organization to a championship-caliber team." Chicago offensive coordinator Luke Getsy echoed such comments. 

"He has a lot more growth ahead of him and we're excited to tap into that," Getsy said of Fields. "Where he was at this time last year to where he is now, I think he's just light-years ahead of where he was, and I feel like he has a ton more to grow forward. We're excited to try to get the best out of him moving forward and keep working toward where we think he can go."

The Bears went all-in on Fields when they acquired assets from the Carolina Panthers for the No. 1 pick in this year's draft rather than using the selection on Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud or Anthony Richardson. That gamble could pay off, or it could cost individuals such as Poles, Eberflus and Getsy their jobs.