The Facts: The Bears set out to improve their passing game in the offseason, picking up a talented receiver in D.J. Moore in the trade down to No. 9 overall with the Panthers. And the team signed TE Robert Tonyan in free agency. But it’s the improvement Fields has made that should really put Chicago on the right track, with HC Matt Eberflus noting on Friday that Fields has looked stronger in his rhythm and timing. “Obviously, the priority is the passing game,” Eberflus said in his Friday press conference. “We ran the ball very well. But we all know that we’ve got to improve in the passing game. Part of that is the rhythm and timing. That’s the footwork with Justin."

Diehards Line: Fields displayed plenty of skill as a runner in his second season, accumulating 1,143 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns. But Fields was less effective as a passer. He completed 60.4 percent of his throws for 2,242 yards with 17 touchdowns and 11 picks as the Bears finished last in passing attempts and yards. Fields was also sacked a league-leading 55 times and had a league-leading 16 fumbles. The team believes that improved footwork will make a difference. “He’s been really working on that, really good — in terms of the quick pass, drop-back pass, movement passes," Eberflus added. "And he’s really made some big strides in that area, coming so far on his own, and now coming into the Phase II, that first week.” Eberflus added that he’s “really optimistic” about the passing game coming along in part because of the pieces the club has acquired. We'll continue to watch for signs those pieces are adding value over the coming weeks.