Fields’ emergence gives struggling Bears hope for future

By ANDREW SELIGMAN
AP Sports Writer

LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) — The emergence of quarterback Justin Fields after a slow start to his second season is by far the most important development for the Chicago Bears in a year when wins have been scarce. The team stumbled into its bye with six consecutive losses since a Week 7 stunner at New England and nine in the past 10 games. But Fields’ progress coming off a shaky rookie season has transformed an offense that struggled to score early in the season. Fields leads all quarterbacks and ranks seventh overall in rushing with 905 yards. He’s averaging a league-leading 7.1 per carry, and is second among QBs with eight rushing TDs.