The Chicago Bears are ramping up for the big game in Tampa against Super Bowl champions, the Buccaneers. Going into the game following a 24-14 home game loss to the Green Bay Packers, the Chicago home team are considered underdogs going up against Tom Brady and crew.
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Bear’s Rookie Quarterback Justin Fields Under Pressure to Perform
Rookie Justin Fields is faced with the task of unraveling the Buccaneers defense strategy. The Buccaneers not only have a formidable front seven, Todd Bowles, the Buc’s defensive coordinator, is known for lightning speed blitz attacks on the opposing offense.
It will take a lot of mental strength and poise for Fields to correctly interpret what’s going on during the game. Also, the team’s offensive coordinator Bill Lazor stressed emphatically that the Bear’s offense needs to remain alert and focused under pressure.
Lazor also feels this game will be a great learning experience for the Bear’s rookie quarterback. He’s eager to see how Fields stands up against the Buccaneers onslaught.
About Justin Fields
The Chicago Bear’s 22-year-old rookie quarterback played at Ohio State, where twice received an award as the Graham–George Offensive Player of the Year. The Bears picked up the Ohio State graduate during the first round of the 2021 NFL draft.
Fields made his mark while attending Harrison High School in Kennesaw, Georgia. During his two years as a high school starting quarterback, Fields totaled 41 passing touchdowns, 4,187 passing yards, 28 rushing touchdowns, and 2,096 rushing yards.
That stellar performance earned him a spot at the Elite 11 quarterback competition, where he won Most Valuable Player. Following his senior high school season, the Touchdown Club of Atlanta named Fields Mr. Georgia Football, and first-team all-state.
ESPN, as well as other sports news outlets, rated the high school athlete as a 5-star recruit, as well as the most formidable, dual-threat quarterback.
In 2017, Fields committed to playing for the University of Georgia. During his very first game playing for Georgia, Fields completed seven of eight passes, including a 10-yard touchdown pass for a 45–0 victory.
During his second season with Georgia, Fields played in 12 games, totaling four passing touchdowns, 328 passing yards, four rushing touchdowns, and 266 rushing yards. Following an SEC Championship loss to Alabama, Fields transferred to Ohio State.
His career at Ohio State cemented the young quarterback’s rise to stardom. During his second season with Ohio, Fields was nominated for the Heisman Trophy. After graduation, Fields was among the top five quarterbacks in the 2021 NFL draft, signing a four-year rookie contract with the Chicago Bears, for a fully-guaranteed $18.8 million.
The Brady-Fields Head-to-Head Promises to be Legendary
To begin with, Brady is literally twice Fields’ age, making for the biggest age difference between starting quarterbacks in the history of the NFL. Fields turned 22 in March and Brady just turned 44 in August.
Moreover, while Brady graduated from the University of Michigan, this will be his first time going up against a quarterback from Ohio State. This game marks Brady’s 306th regular-season start.
That’s something that Brady took notice of, noting that there was not a history of Ohio State quarterbacks in the NFL. On the other hand, Michigan quarterbacks were all over the league.
But who knows what the future holds; given time, Justin Fields could replace Tom Brady as one of the longest-running and all-time great quarterbacks in NFL history. As it stands, Fields has 20 years to prove himself in the NFL.
It’s Uncertain Whether Outside Linebacker Robert Quinn will Return for the Game Against the Buccaneers
Sadly, outside linebacker Robert Quinn tested positive for COVID-19 and has been placed on reserve. Even if Quinn is vaccinated, he needs to produce two negative tests to retake the field. It’s unknown if Quinn has exhibited any symptoms of the virus. Also, wide receiver coach Mike Furrey tested positive for COVID-19 as well.
Outside linebacker Khalil Mack was also out with the foot injury, having missed nine of the last 11 practices. Also out with various injuries are Akiem Hicks, Bilal Nichols, Tashaun Gipson, and Jakeem Grant.
Returning to practice on a limited basis, following injuries are Allen Robinson, Darnell Mooney, Caleb Johnson, and J.P. Holtz.
Betting Odds: Bears vs the Buccaneers
Despite rising star quarterback Justin Fields, The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are heavily favored by more than 12.5 points to beat the Chicago Bears. The over/under is set at 47. The Buccaneers have covered the spread twice this season, compared to the Bears at 3-3-0 against the spread this season. In away games, Chicago has had just one win against the spread. Sadly for Chicago, the Buccaneers outperform the Bears on every metric.
