LaDainian Tomlinson Gives Curious Reasoning For Justin Fields Over Trevor Lawrence

For most, it was a genuine shock to see Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields rank above Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence on the NFL Top 100 list.

Pro Football Hall of Fame running back LaDainian Tomlinson can't be included in that group, however.

"Most fans are thinking of team success right? Like, oh man Trevor has been to the playoffs. And rightfully so, I get it. But players need playmaking ability," Tomlinson said. 

Lawrence was ranked No. 96 while Fields was ranked No. 86. 

"Trevor Lawrence can not do what Justin Feilds can do with his legs. He can't do that part. He doesn't have that playmaking ability. But yet, Justin Fields can throw the ball like Trevor Lawrence. He has that big arm, he can throw the ball down the field, he can make all the throws."

Fields' rushing numbers obviously dwarf Lawrence's; Fields has an argument to make as one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in recent memory thanks to his genuine ability to be a 1,000-yard rusher due to his blend of size, power and speed.

But as throwers? It has not been close between Fields and Lawrence through two seasons, with Lawrence finding considerably more success through the air by all statistical measures.

Fields, the No. 11 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, has been compared to Lawrence dating back to high school. The former five-star recruit and Ohio State star had an encouraging 2022, too, completing 60.4% of his passes for 7.1 yards per attempt with 2,242 yards, 17 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He also added 1,143 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on the ground.

But in head-to-head comparisons with Lawrence, Fields comes in second in completion percentage, passing yards, CPOE, EPA/Attempt, interception %, quarterback rating, sack %, AY/A, NY/A, ANY/A, and QBR.

In 17 starts in 2022, Lawrence completed 387 of 584 passes for 4,113 yards and 25 TDs. His 387 completions were the most in a single season in franchise history and his five rushing TDs were tied with Garrard for the most in single-season franchise history.

Lawrence joined Bengals QB Joe Burrow and Bills QB Josh Allen as the only players in the NFL with 25-plus passing TDs and at least five rushing TDs. Against the Titans in Week 14, Lawrence set a career-high with 368 yards passing and was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance.

The second-year quarterback totaled four 300-yard passing games and orchestrated three comebacks of 17-plus points, including a comeback from behind 27-0 in the postseason against the Chargers.