Bears' Eberflus expects 'big jump' from Fields in Year 2

Justin Fields produced a forgettable rookie season, but new Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus anticipates a major improvement from the sophomore quarterback in 2022.

"The development of him for the second year should be a big jump," Eberflus said Tuesday, according to Courtney Cronin of ESPN. "It should be. That's what we're looking for. We're looking for better technique, better fundamentals, better decision-making, better timing, everything. He's all on board on that.

"He's excited about where he is and he's been working his tail off. That's what we want, just that big jump from Year 1 to Year 2."

The Bears traded up to No. 11 overall in last year's draft to land Fields, signaling the start of a new era.

However, the young quarterback failed to provide an immediate spark, winning just two of his 10 starts while throwing seven touchdowns against 10 interceptions. He added 420 yards and two scores on the ground.

The two men who brought Fields to Chicago are gone, with head coach Matt Nagy and general manager Ryan Pace replaced by Eberflus and Ryan Poles, respectively, after the Bears missed the playoffs for the second time in the last three years.

Not only will Fields be working with a new coaching staff and front office, but he won't have star receiver Allen Robinson, who joined the Los Angeles Rams in free agency.

While the Bears added wideouts Byron Pringle and Equanimeous St. Brown on one-year deals, neither has ever eclipsed 600 yards in a season.

Chicago could look to bolster Fields' supporting cast in the draft, but the NFC North club has just six total draft picks after trading its first-round selection in the move up for Fields last year.

The Bears did gain an extra second-rounder by trading pass-rusher Khalil Mack to the Los Angeles Chargers.