All people can talk about lately is Justin Fields’ incredible talent. His unique mixture of a strong arm, precision accuracy, and genuine 4.4 speed has made him a weapon on the football field over the past two weeks. Rushing for 103 yards against San Francisco and then throwing for 291 against Pittsburgh. Both times making huge plays in the 4th quarter to give the Chicago Bears a chance to win.
Yet those moments have made it easy to miss the other aspect of what is making Fields such an early success. His intelligence. Former player Brian Baldinger, one of the best tape analysts in the business, showcased this during his breakdown of the Bears-Steelers game. Specifically how Fields is a quick study. First in how to deal with pressure and then learning how to better protect himself from big hits. Things that normally take rookies at least a year or more to figure out.
.@ChicagoBears @justnfields never flinches, always looks poised and composed. I feel like he knew from that preseason game against Buffalo that he was going to take some lumps, and there will be more to come. Part of the process. We too, should enjoy the process #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/GX1hH1vbpV
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) November 11, 2021
There is plenty of proof out there now.
For example, one of the biggest knocks on Fields through the past few starts is his inability to handle the blitz. Every time opponents have brought extra rushers, it felt like the Bears rookie couldn’t handle it. However, that changed against Pittsburgh. He threw for 106 yards with a 97.5 passer rating whenever the Steelers brought five or more men. This included some of Fields’ best throws of the entire season.
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There is still plenty left to learn for Fields. Consistency remains an elusive key to his game. He’s a bit of a rollercoaster at times. That is to be expected. Yet for him to play that calm and that sharp on the road against a really good defense? It speaks both to his talent but also his intelligence and preparation. He never looked overwhelmed. An encouraging sign since it was his first primetime game.
Justin Fields is seizing control of this Bears team
More and more it’s becoming evident that the rookie isn’t just playing a part in a greater whole. He is putting himself center stage on this football team. The past two games prove this. There is no way the Bears are in either of them if not for Fields. He was their best player by a considerable margin in both instances. That is what is so encouraging about all of this. When was the last time anybody could say that about the quarterback in this town?
If Justin Fields is playing this well already, it is exciting to think there is still half of the season left to go. He has a chance to get even better. What makes it even more encouraging is the connection he’s starting to develop with his weapons. Cole Kmet had the best game of his career in Pittsburgh, going for 87 yards on six catches. Then there was that great 39-yard play to Robinson. A moment that saw the two signal each other with an adjustment before the snap.
Another sign that Fields is getting it.
While his pure physical skills will carry him forward, it’ll be that ability to learn quickly that ends up making him what many feel he can be. One of the best in the NFL. The fact he’s already playing the position like a seasoned vet halfway through his rookie season? That is not normal. Baldinger is correct. As tough as this kid is, teams underestimate perhaps his greatest asset. What’s between the ears.
