Chicago Bears: Hicks' QB Critique Shows Fields' Importance to the Rebuild

After Akiem Hicks signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he leveled criticism of the Chicago Bears’ quarterback situation. That highlighted how important Justin Fields is to the new rebuild.

As we all know, the Chicago Bears are starting the latest of their constant rebuilds. Ryan Poles is the new person tasked with getting it right this time.

During all these rebuilds the same thing keeps happening — new players are brought in but the offensive line and quarterback spots remain problems.

In his introductory press conference with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, former Bears defensive lineman Akiem Hicks talked about the quarterback situation in Chicago.

When I came into the league, I had Drew Brees and Tom Brady as my first two quarterbacks. And then I went to Chicago. It wasn’t Drew Brees and Tom Brady. I feel spoiled to have somebody on the other side of the ball that can deliver all the time. He has proven that over the years… It benefits a defense to have a quarterback that can control the clock, the ball, and field position. That’s what we have here.

Many Chicago Bears fans took that to be a shot by Hicks. Hicks was a fan favorite and they didn’t appreciate that shot. It was just Hicks telling the truth, however. There was no lie in his statement. The truth may hurt but it doesn’t make it less true.

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Did the Bears finally get it right?

While former general manager Ryan Pace got a lot wrong in his attempt, he might have gotten it right when selecting a quarterback in his final draft. He moved up to take Justin Fields.

Fields had a rough rookie campaign. A big reason for it, though, was because former head coach Matt Nagy failed to utilize his abilities. Nagy had a game plan for Andy Dalton (and third-string quarterback Nick Foles), a slow-moving, pocket quarterback. On the other hand, Fields is a dual-threat quarterback who can use his legs to extend plays and avoid pressure.

It was a mess for Fields.

Fields did show some flashes. He was especially good throwing deep downfield. This is something the Bears lacked from former starter Mitchell Trubisky.

Now the hope is the new regime under Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus, along with offensive coordinator Luke Getsy, to build a proper offense utilizing all of Fields’ gifts.

It is critical for Fields to take a step up this season. There are already whispers, however silly they are, that Fields is just another one of the failed quarterbacks to come out of Chicago.

No, the Bears don’t have to be a contender for Fields to show he is the man for the job. If he shows more of the skills he has and performs decently in a consistent manner, then he’ll shine come 2023 when the Bears have a huge salary cap space and can provide him with very dangerous weapons and great protection. Then the Bears can make Hicks eat his words.