Report: Bears' Justin Fields 'Looks Like a Different QB' and Is 'Decisive' in Camp

Chicago Bears star Justin Fields made significant strides in his second NFL season, and he might be poised to take another step forward in 2023.

"Those in the building can attest that Fields looks like a different QB than he did last training camp, and on Sunday, he was decisive on almost every throw," ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported Monday.

Offensive coordinator Luke Getsy also explained how the 2021 first-round pick is in a new phase of his development.

"Last year was probably, 'I'm going to do my job,' and playing the position at the highest level is being in control of it all," he said to Fowler. "He's on his way to being able to do stuff like that. That part has been really fun in training camp. We were in 101 classes, now we're in 201 and 301 classes."

Fields had an uneven rookie campaign, throwing for 1,870 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 12 appearances.

His start to 2022 did little to assuage fears about his suitability as the franchise quarterback. He went 34-of-67 through the air for 471 yards, two touchdowns and four interceptions in Chicago's first four games.

Fields' efficiency almost immediately improved, though, and carried on for the remainder of the season. He completed 63 percent of his passes and had a 92.2 QB rating over his final 11 starts.

Already considered a dual-threat quarterback, his rushing capabilities managed to exceed expectations as well. He ran for 1,143 yards and eight scores, and his 7.1 yards per carry were the most in the league.

This time last year, there was still plenty of uncertainty surrounding Fields' long-term outlook. Now, he's being floated as a dark horse in the MVP race.

Philadelphia Eagles star Jalen Hurts made that kind of leap in Year 3, finishing runner-up to the Kansas City Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes in the MVP voting. The Baltimore Ravens' Lamar Jackson was the league MVP in just his second year.

Even if Fields doesn't progress to that degree, it sounds like his 2022 breakout was no aberration.