Bears Rumors: Justin Fields' 'Elongated Throwing Motion' Concerns NFL Insiders

Several NFL insiders have concerns about the throwing mechanics and "elongated throwing motion" of Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields, according to Kevin Fishbain and Adam Jahns of The Athletic. 

"He can be good," one league source told Fishbain and Jahns. "But there are obviously some things that need to be fixed. ... How long will that take?"

Fields, 23, had his ups and downs in his rookie season, throwing for 1,870 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 12 games while completing just 58.9 percent of his passes. He also rushed for 420 yards and two scores and finished a disappointing 2-8 as the team's starter. 

The veteran pair of Andy Dalton and Nick Foles, meanwhile, were 4-3 in their starts. 

One league insider suggested that at least some of Fields' struggles could perhaps be attributed to former head coach Matt Nagy's scheme and influence. 

"Look at what Charles Leno did after he left Chicago," that person told Fishbain and Jahns. "And Cordarrelle Patterson. Those guys had success in different offenses."

Leno, who signed a three-year, $37.5 million extension with the Washington Commanders in January, helped anchor an offensive line from his left tackle position that finished sixth in PFF's overall pass-blocking grades. 

Patterson, meanwhile, had a career year as a hybrid running back and wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons, finishing with 618 rushing yards, 52 catches for 548 yards and 11 total touchdowns. 

Whether leaving a Nagy-led team was the primary reason for both players showing improvement in 2021, or simply playing for schemes that better suited their skill sets, is debatable. Likewise, it remains to be seen if Fields will take strides under new head coach Matt Eberflus, new offensive coordinator Luke Getsy and new quarterbacks coach Andrew Janocko. 

"Building the offense around him and his strengths," Eberflus told reporters when asked for his approach to working with Fields. "What does that look like? I don't know right now. We have to look at him. We have to evaluate him. We have to see where his skill set is. And then see his camera. How does he see the game? How fast does he process? How fast does he do things and how can we stretch him as we go?"

It's a lot of change for the young player. But that trio's primary goal is getting the most out of their young quarterback. If Fields doesn't take a step forward, questions will emerge as to whether he's a true franchise quarterback in the making.