Justin Fields and the Chicago Bears are already out of playoff contention, but Week 18's game against the Green Bay Packers still had postseason implications. The Bears could ruin their rivals' hopes of extending the campaign beyond the regular season.
But that wasn't meant to be, as the Packers earned the seventh and final spot in the 2023 National Football Conference Playoffs. Despite the loss, Fields was in the spotlight among football fans for an alleged non-call that supposedly should have been a Green Bay penalty.
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Bears fans slam game officials over Justin Fields' no-penalty hit
1st and 10th green bay At the Packers' 48-yard line, Fields found a gap on the right end for a 6-yard run. He could have gained more yards but slid to the ground ending the play. However, safety Jonathan Owens flew and hit Fields, causing the quarterback's head to bounce off the ground.
Unfortunately, Owens was not flagged for unnecessary roughness and the match continued. Officials condoned the play, but Bears fans couldn't. One Bears fan commented on the clip shared by JPAFootball:
„They're going to let Justin Fields die.“
Another fan echoed that sentiment:
„Mr. Fields has no love for my son and is just embarrassed.“
Here are some other reactions to Jonathan Owens getting a free pass after an inconsequential hit: Justin Fields.
A few plays later, Fields was checked out as Bears trainers diagnosed a possible concussion. Nathan Peterman entered the game, but his drive led to a punt.
The Packers then ran out the final six minutes of regulation for a 17-9 playoff-clinching victory.
Fields finished the game with 11 completions for 148 passing yards and eight carries for 27 rushing yards. He finished his third NFL season with 2,414 passing yards, 630 rushing yards, 20 total touchdowns (16 passing), and nine interceptions.
The Bears will finish the 2023 season with a 7-10 record, extending their postseason drought by three years.
Will Justin Fields remain the Bears' starting quarterback next season?
of chicago bearsOffseason activities, especially before and after the 2024 NFL Draft, will determine the fate of Justin Fields. Chicago had the top overall pick in this year's draft. carolina panthers It broke the worst record for the 2023 season.
However, the Bears own Bryce Young in a trade last year that allowed Carolina to take him with the No. 1 pick.Bears could land quarterback like USC caleb williams Or North Carolina's Drake Maye with the top pick.
Trading the No. 1 pick in 2024 and announcing a non-quarterback as the top choice shows the Bears still believe in Fields' ability as a franchise quarterback candidate.