Bear Necessities: Justin Fields has the highest deep pass percentage through 5 weeks

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While we’re just a few games into Bears rookie quarterback Justin Fields’ development, one of the the things that’s been prevalent already is his willingness to go deep with the football.

It’s nothing new, considering Fields was praised for his deep-ball accuracy in college, which is something that was also present during training camp and preseason.

Fields has thrown deep on 11 of his 72 attempts this season (15.3%), which is the highest rate in the NFL. By comparison, Andy Dalton attempted 0 deep passes on 50 attempts.

It’s still nice to see a Bears quarterback on a list like this.

The Bears haven’t asked Fields to do too much in his first three NFL starts, where they’ve leaned on a strong run game and haven’t asked Fields to throw more than 20 passes all season.

That could change Sunday as the Bears face off against their division rival Packers, where there will be opportunities for Chicago to open up the downfield passing attack with a banged up secondary.

“I can probably in my mind picture all these plays through training camp where he took the shot and shouldn’t have — or took a shot and we’re pleased he tried, even though the defense got their hands on the ball,” said offensive coordinator Bill Lazor.

“That’s the balance for a quarterback, because what you don’t want is a cautious quarterback. You want a guy who’s aggressive but who’s smart. The balance of that is the key to growth. I think he’s done a good job with that, and he’s taken some throws down the field.”

> Bears to wear classic jerseys in division showdown vs. Packers

> Bears placed RB Damien Williams on reserve/COVID-19 list

> Bears’ Thursday injury report: Updates on Allen Robinson, Khalil Mack, Akiem Hicks

> Bears-Packers: Justin Fields didn’t like comparisons to Michigan in OSU-UM rivalry

> Community discussion: Can the Bears upset the Packers this Sunday?

> Jaylon Johnson eager to face off against Davante Adams

> Aaron Rodgers shuts down idea of ever playing for Bears: ‘It’s just not going to happen’

> Aaron Rodgers could only name 4 Bears QBs since he’s been Packers starter

> Justin Fields featured among QB gravestones on Myles Garrett’s front yard

> Packers in ‘wait and see’ mode on Jaylon Smith’s availability for Sunday vs. Bears. Read more on Packers Wire.

> Vikings CB Cameron Dantzler activated off COVID-19/reserve list. Read more on Vikings Wire.

> Lions pass defense has dramatically improved over the last 3 weeks. Read more on Lions Wire.

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