Bears News: 2022 Season Report Card: Justin Fields, Siemian, Peterman |
Now that the Bears season is over, it is officially time to shift the focus to the offseason and what this team will do. With the No. 1 overall pick and a boatload of cash to spend, this team could make some serious noise this offseason as they look to put themselves back into NFC supremacy. Before we even get that far, there is still time to reflect on this season as we begin our annual season report card series.
Today it is all about the quarterback position, as this is the one position on the Bears roster that doesn't need addressing. You could argue that they need a better backup, but that is something you can take care of later, as they have a franchise leader in the making. Justin Fields: Coming into year two, there were a lot of questions surrounding Justin Fields and whether or not he was the guy for this team. After a rookie season that showed some promise, but mostly struggles, Fields went on to prove he is a franchise guy even if the wins were not there. Granted, he does still need to work on his passing, throwing for just over 2000 yards with 17 TDS and 11 INT, but it was his legs that made the big difference in year two. He broke Michael Vick's single-game record for rushing yards by a QB and set an NFL record for most rushing yards by a QB over a five-game stretch. He also finished the season NO. 2 all-time for rushing yards by a QB, leading the team with 1143 yards on the ground and eight touchdowns. I get that will always be part of his game, but he needs to start realizing that taking care of your body is more important. Grade C+: This is a very tough grade, so I have to put him in the middle. On the one hand, he gets an A for his rushing ability showing that it is an essential part of his game. On the other hand, he gets an F for passing, as he has struggled in that area for two years. I understand he could have better help around him, but he still ranked dead last in the NFL regarding passes off-target. That is something he needs to fix for year three.
Trevor Siemian
When the Bears signed Siemian last offseason, it gave them a reliable backup for Fields while also giving them a player capable of starting. Granted, his success as a starter could have been better, but Siemian has shown flashes during his time with Denver and New Orleans to at least make him a good backup.
When Fields went down in the middle of the season with an ankle injury, Siemian was called upon to start, only to get injured during warmups. Despite that, he still went out and played and went 15-26 for 184 yards. Those are not great numbers, but better than what Fields averaged per game.
Grade C: It is hard to give someone a grade when they only play one game. However, Siemian deserves a ton of credit for sucking up his injury and playing through the pain. Only a few guys can injure their oblique during warm-ups, stay in the game and then go and throw 26 passes. He did that, earning a little more credit in my book.
Nathan Peterman
Another QB brought in last offseason to challenge Siemian was Nathan Peterman. The former Buffalo Bills and Las Vegas Raiders QB, Peterman, has had a rough go of things to start his NFL career as he threw four interceptions in his first career start. Not expected to contribute much this season, Peterman had to step in when Siemian got hurt and started week 18 in place of an injured Fields.
Like Siemian, the results were not great as he went 14-25 for 139 yards, one TD, and one INT. It will be interesting to see the Bears approach next season and to see if either of these guys will be on the roster.
Grade D: I never understood the Peterman signing when it was made, but it was a signing they needed, given the injuries they faced at the QB position. Peterman didn't do much to impress anyone when given his opportunity, although he did have several nice throws against the Vikings. It is highly unlikely he will be on this team next year as the Bears may have to address the backup QB spot next season.
Tim Boyle: N/A
