Analyst says Justin Fields could be on similar track to Jalen Hurts

Could Bears quarterback Justin Fields make a similar improvement to the one Jalen Hurts made in Philadelphia last season?

Gilbert Manzano of Sports Illustrated recently compiled a list of "10 offensive players who could define the 2023 season," ranking Fields at No. 4 and explaining how he could be on a similar trajectory to Hurts.

"With all the notable moves GM Ryan Poles made this offseason, Fields could have a memorable third season, similar to what Hurts did with the Eagles last season," wrote Manzano.

Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards, who played with the Eagles from 2019 to 2022, also noted how Fields' composure reminds him of Hurts.

"One thing with Jalen was he was always calm and collected," Edwards recently said on SiriusXM NFL Radio. "You do see similarities with Fields. He doesn't seem to get rattled out there in terms of when we're mixing up looks on him and stuff like that."

Last season, Hurts finished second in MVP voting and led the Eagles to Super Bowl LVII. Fields probably won't replicate those results since Chicago is rebuilding after it went 3-14 last season. Nonetheless, the Bears created an environment where the 24-year-old QB can grow and eventually flourish.

The Bears acquired a bona fide No. 1 WR when they traded the first overall pick to Carolina for D.J. Moore. After Fields was sacked 55 times last season— tied for the most in the NFL— Chicago fortified its O-line, selecting OT Darnell Wright with the 10th overall pick.

Fields must improve as a passer since he only completed 60.4 percent of his passes and logged an 85.2 passer rating. Fields should benefit from a stronger supporting cast, though. Plus, he is a spectacular runner. Last season, he rushed for 1,143 yards in 15 games, seventh in the NFL and second for a QB in league history. 

Chicago should feel optimistic about Fields heading into next season with hopes he could develop into a premier dual-threat QB like Hurts did in 2022.