It took a while before the Chicago Bears turned over the franchise to Justin Fields.
Remember, they brought in Andy Dalton to prepare the way for the former Ohio State standout.
Eventually, the Bears did the inevitable and gave the role to Fields.
Perhaps taking caution is the team’s foremost reason for delaying Fields’ tenure as the starter.
After all, they haven’t had much success at the position ever since Jim McMahon.
However, Fields vows to buck that disappointing trend.
"I can't wait to be the first one to change that."
– #Bears QB Justin Fields on the team's history with not finding sustained success with a single quarterback on ESPN's Monday Night Countdown.
— Will DeWitt (@Wi11DeWitt) August 18, 2022
After McMahon, the Bears have had a revolving door behind center.
In the late 80s, they had the likes of Mike Tomczak, Doug Flutie, and Jim Harbaugh start games.
There are also the likes of Steve Walsh, Dave Krieg, Erik Kramer, and Steve Stenstrom.
During the 2000s, some of those who took turns in being the Bears’ starter are Cade McNown, Jim Miller, Chris Chandler, Kyle Orton, Rex Grossman, and Jay Cutler.
Cutler became the starter for the better part of the 2010s but also shared the task with Josh McCown, Caleb Hanie, Brian Hoyer, and Matt Barkley.
Finally, Mitchell Trubisky was drafted in 2017 but lasted only four seasons.
Versatility Is Fields’ Advantage
If he will change the team’s depressing history at quarterback, Fields will have to use his entire arsenal.
Aside from his passing ability, he must also use his nimble feet to avoid incoming blitzes.
After all, the Bears’ offensive line doesn’t show much promise and there will be times when Fields will be tasked to improvise.
But the unpredictability of his approach could be the Bears’ ticket to success.
With not much talent around him, he will have to carry a heavier load to lead his squad to victory.
NEXT: Justin Fields Is Going To Need Much More Help