The NFL preseason rarely gives fans games of importance.
However, the last two preseason games the Chicago Bears have played are raising eyebrows.
Backup quarterback Trevor Siemian has provided the team with some clutch play in the preseason.
But is his preseason play really a threat to Justin Fields, or is it a challenge for him to step-up in the regular season?
Siemian’s Preseason Play Means Fields Must Deliver In 2022
While preseason results don’t always translate into regular season production, it still gives teams a baseline with players.
In two preseason games, Siemian is 15-28 for 137 yards and three touchdowns.
Two of those touchdowns came in a preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Those touchdowns were the reason the Bears won that game 19-14.
With the history of Bears quarterbacks being replaced in games, some Chicago faithful are foreseeing a quarterback controversy.
Trevor Siemian threw for two touchdowns and Justin Fields threw for none? Man, we clearly have a good old fashioned quarterback controversy in Chicago.
— Matt Lindner (@mattlindner) August 13, 2022
However, Fields won’t lose his job to Siemian over some preseason magic that he’s currently showing.
But it means he will have pressure on him to perform better when the games count the most.
Siemian Gives Bears Fans A Second Option If Fields Goes Down
With the starting job already in Field’s hands, the performance by Siemian gives him a solid backup role in Chicago.
However, it also gives Bears fans some comfort that they have a QB that can step in if a Fields injury happens this season.
While Siemian’s track record as a starter isn’t great, he can manage a team as a backup.
He is currently showing why he’s a solid QB when you need him to step into a game.
He also showed this when stepping in for Jameis Winston after he suffered an injury early against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
In a 7-7 game, his play as a backup got the New Orleans Saints a win.
I get it but honestly I hope Siemian never plays another game and goes down as a legend in Saints history for this one game. But if he helps us win more I won’t complain
— Evan Saacks (@evansaacks) November 1, 2021
However, he never had the same success with them as a starting quarterback.
The same could be true here in Chicago with him.
A great guy to manage a game after the start, but not one to start the game.
Will Fields Do Better In The Regular Season?
Bears fans haven’t got the in-depth look at their starting QB like they have with Siemian this preseason.
In the limited time the Bears starting QB has gotten, he’s gone 9-14 with 87 passing yards and no touchdowns.
With everyone wanting to see touchdowns, the lack of those are a disappointment to fans.
However, his accuracy is a huge plus going into the 2022 regular season.
But he’ll need to continue with the accurate passes while converting on third-down.
If he can continue to improve during the preseason with this, he will do better in the regular season.
With Siemian being the shining star in these preseason games, he must now show he’s ready to lead in 2022.
If not, some fans might believe in the short-term magic that their backup is currently showing.
The Bears can’t afford to have this happen to their franchise QB in Chicago.
So while Trevor might shine now, fans should stick with Fields and trust he can make the proper improvements.
