The bears now have as many wins in 13 games using a backup QB as they do in 31 games when Fields starts. People keep talking about how bad the rest of the roster is (which is true) but it’s crazy how other guys have somehow managed to get it done.
The bears now have as many wins in 13 games using a backup QB as they do in 31 games when Fields starts. People keep talking about how bad the rest of the roster is (which is true) but it’s crazy how other guys have somehow managed to get it done.
Opponent PPG for Fields:
2023: 31.4
2022: 25.2
2021: 25.1 (technically he was the backup)
In the last full NFL season, 25.1 would be good for 28th worst defense, 31.4 would be 4 points worse than the worst defense.
Opponent PPG for backups:
2023: 19.75
2022: 31 (one game, L)
2021: 22.2 (Dalton technically the starter)
In the last full NFL season, 22.2 would be good for the 18th worst defense. 19.75 would be 7th.
There’s more context to this than just the defense has been bad and is giving up 31 ppg this season. Fields is responsible for what, 3 touchdowns himself from turnover returns? What about the 3 and outs or his other turnovers too? Backups are usually asked to play a much safer game and try not to do too much. Which worked against the Raiders and barely worked last night. It does really help the defense though.