Quarterback Justin Fields impressed as the Chicago Bears ended a three-game losing run with a 33-14 win over the New England Patriots.
He threw one touchdown pass and ran for another score, finishing with 179 passing yards and 82 running yards.
“We’re encouraged with the progress that is there,” said Bears general manager Ryan Poles.
“It’s not on the statistics and on the paper all the time. But he is getting better in a lot of different areas.”
Fields, 23, ranks low in most of the NFL’s statistics – he is 32nd for completion percentage – but he out-performed Patriots quarterback Mac Jones at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts.
Making his return from a sprained ankle, Jones had two three-and-outs and threw an interception before being replaced by Bailey Zappe with 12 minutes left in the second quarter.
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick refused to explain his decision, only saying Jones’ removal was not for fitness reasons and was not a benching.
The Patriots, who are bottom of AFC East with three wins and four defeats, face the New York Jets on Sunday, while the Bears – who also have three wins and four defeats – play the Dallas Cowboys.
