LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) -- Since Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre joined the Packers in 1992, the Bears have started 19 quarterbacks against their rivals from Green Bay.
On Sunday at Soldier Field, rookie Justin Fields will bring that number to 20. The Packers have started three quarterbacks against the Bears in that span -- Favre, Aaron Rodgers and and Brett Hundley for one game in 2017. The remarkable continuity Green Bay has enjoyed at quarterback is something Chicago has been left to envy.
That’s where Fields comes in to play. Selected with the No. 11 overall pick in the NFL Draft in April, Fields has been anointed as the Bears’ starting quarterback moving forward – and Chicago hopes that’s for a long time.
For his part, Fields refuses to look too far into the future. For now, he's eager to lead the Bears (3-2) against the Packers (4-1) with first place in the NFC North on the line.
“We know we have a big opportunity ahead of us,” Fields said.
Before Fields could prepare for the Packers, he first underwent further evaluation earlier this week on his left knee, which bent awkwardly during a scramble in Chicago's win at Las Vegas on Sunday. Fields indicated his knee will be “good by Sunday,” while coach Matt Nagy anticipated Fields would practice in full this week.
Health aside, the focus for Fields will be building off what he has accomplished in leading the Bears to consecutive victories. He has completed 51.4% of his passes for 458 yards while adding a passing and rushing touchdown in five games this season. The Bears have started to build an offensive identity around Fields, who has showcased growth early as a rookie.
Nagy noted how Fields has remained the same player no matter who or what he’s facing.
“I haven’t noticed an ounce of change in him in the last couple of days,” Nagy said in referring to the Bears’ 20-9 win over the Raiders. “I don’t ever think that is going to change. That’s a huge strength of his. When you have a game or a loss like we had versus Cleveland or you have a win like we just had against the Raiders, you can’t tell a difference. That’s a pretty good deal there. That’s a strength of his.
“The experiences he’s been through helps him. The confidence he has in himself and his teammates helps him. And he’s young. It’s only going to get better.”
As for the matchup against the Packers, the 22-year-old Fields will be the latest Bears quarterback to match up against Rodgers.
Fields pointed to his background at Ohio State as to why he’s comfortable in the spotlight. He has faced a rival in Michigan before and squared off against a dynamic quarterback like Trevor Lawrence on a championship stage.
Fields doesn’t feel pressure to match up with Rodgers. He hopes the scoreboard settles that Sunday.
“I’m simply doing whatever I need to do to help my team win,” Fields said. “If that’s hand the ball of 80 times during a game or throw for however so many yards, that’s what I’m going to do. I’m not worried about comparisons between touchdowns, stats. I’m worried about winning. That’s it.
“My job is to win. My job isn’t to be better than any quarterback. As long as we win, I’m doing my job the right way.”
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.