WATCH: Justin Fields flashes athleticism in guiding Bears to second-half lead over 49ers
The Chicago Bears just ripped a lead away from the San Francisco 49ers thanks to two touchdown passes from quarterback Justin Fields.
First, the former Ohio State star flashed his athleticism with a scramble and toss across the field to Dante Pettis for a 51-yard touchdown.
After the first touchdown for the Bears made the score 10-7, Fields and the Chicago offense took over once again.
Starting at their own 16, the Bears converted two third downs before Fields shot an 18-yard cannon at wideout Equanimeous St. Brown to make it 13-10 Chicago. The extra point was no good, keeping the game within a field goal with 12:40 left in the fourth quarter.
Fields is 8-for-17 with 121 passing yards, two touchdowns and a pick. He also has 31 yards on seven carries.
An interception by the Bears’ defense gave Fields and the offense the ball back with 9:42 remaining. From the 49ers’ 21-yard line, Chicago’s Khalil Herbert ran the ball several times before scoring on a 3-yard run. The touchdown put the Bears up 19-10 with 7:21 left on the clock.
The 49ers started the day with a 68.7% chance to win, according to ESPN’s win probabilities. Clearly, Justin Fields had other ideas.
Jay Cutler backs Fields
Jay Cutler spoke with the Chicago Sun-Times’ Jason Lieser ahead of the season and talked about his expectations for the young QB as he enters year two of his NFL career. The former Ohio State star had an up-and-down rookie season under Matt Nagy, throwing for 1,870 yards on 58% passing, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
But now, he has a new head coach and a new play-caller. Even after the rough first year, Cutler said he has high hopes for Fields on the Lakefront.
“If the Bears start winning … I hope they do,” Cutler told Lieser. “And I hope Justin is successful, and I hope he’s the next big thing here and he’s the best quarterback to come out of Chicago Bears history.”
Fields is showing what he can do in the season opener versus San Francisco.