People tend to gloss over the challenges Justin Fields has faced since arriving with the Chicago Bears back in April. Being a 1st round pick, one the team traded up to get, comes with a certain level of expectations by itself. Then there was the puzzling decision by head coach Matt Nagy not to give him any reps with the first-team offense in training camp. Thus when he finally became the starter back in Week 3, he was already in a difficult spot not entirely of his own making. Having to take a hellacious beating in Cleveland didn’t help.
Yet one part of this saga that can’t be overlooked is behind the scenes in the Bears locker room. People must not forget that Fields is 22-years old. He is a kid by most standards. Yet it was his job to step in and somehow become the leader of one of the oldest locker rooms in the NFL. He had to make seasoned veterans like Khalil Mack, Akiem Hicks, Robert Quinn, Tashaun Gipson, Jason Peters, and Jimmy Graham believe that he is the guy.
Based on recent reactions? He has done the job.
Guys are buying in, singing Fields’ praises whenever asked, and showing tons of support for him during games. Despite a difficult losing streak in recent weeks, it hasn’t been because of his play. If anything the rookie is the reason they’ve been in most of these games at all. The fact it only took him half the season to get these reactions is impressive. So how did he pull it off? Fields was asked about it on Parkins & Spiegel for 670 The Score.
“I think it’s just, you know, going out there every day in the facility showing those guys that you care. Showing them how much the sport means to you and just how much you want to win. I think once they see that and once they see you making plays on the field, then they really start believing you and trusting you more and more. So that’s kind of been my plan and what I’ve been doing since I got there. Just trying to show my teammates, show my coaches how much I want to win and how great I want to be.”
Perhaps this is what stands out the most about Fields than anything else. His maturity. When listening to him talk, it sounds like he’s been in the NFL for several years. Like he’s already learned all the lessons about what it takes to succeed. The fact he has only started seven games? It is beyond impressive that he already understands how to be a leader, both by voice and by example.
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Justin Fields sounds like he is finding his voice
When he first stepped in front of the cameras, it was easy to see he was a rookie. He wasn’t used to speaking to the media. Didn’t quite know how to conduct himself, coming across as somewhat stoic. That was hardly a surprise. Most rookies go through the same experience. As time has gone on, Fields has clearly grown accustomed to the spotlight. He speaks with much more authority and confidence. He’s relaxed in his approach and has good answers to most questions.
The best part is he isn’t afraid to make bold proclamations when he feels they are necessary. Before the San Francisco 49ers game, he insisted the offense would rebound from their ugly effort in Tampa Bay the week prior. Why? “He could feel it.” They scored 22 points. One of their best outings of the season. Then a week later they went into Pittsburgh on Monday night and grabbed the lead with under two minutes to play with a decisive touchdown drive. All of it was directed by Justin Fields.
Make plays on the field and guys will start listening to your words.
That is probably where Mitch Trubisky failed. The former #2 pick never lacked the desire to lead. He was just never able to back up his words enough with results. Fields looks like somebody different. With each passing week, he is getting better. Before too long it feels like he is going to start giving defenses a ton of problems. Teammates will be anxious to be part of it when that happens.
