It might seem early to be ramping up the pressure on quarterback Justin Fields to prove he belongs in the Bears’ future plans, but that type of thinking is outdated.
The old framework of a quarterback needing at least three seasons to develop doesn’t apply anymore, and stars like Justin Herbert, Dak Prescott and Russell Wilson shredded defenses as rookies.
In Fields’ case, the expectations on his timeline have also been accelerated by the change in administration at Halas Hall. General manager Ryan Poles wasn’t the one who traded up to take him No. 11 overall last year, but he is the one who will pay for it if he gives Fields too much time.