Jimmy Graham sparked quite a social media frenzy when he openly admitted that his new quarterback Justin Fields resembled another he played with a few years ago. That being Seattle Seahawks All-Pro and future Hall of Famer Russell Wilson. It certainly had some logic to it. Wilson is known for his trademark elusiveness as a runner and boasting one of the best deep balls in the NFL. Two things Fields has reportedly flashed several times in training camp. So what does Allen Robinson think of this?
One would understand if the star Bears wide receiver were a little more skeptical. He hasn’t enjoyed nearly the same good fortune as Graham when it comes to quarterbacks throwing him the ball. Going from Blake Bortles to Mitch Trubisky and Nick Foles can easily make a man callous to lofty comparisons like this. However, the 27-year old seemed surprisingly open to it during an interview on NFL Training Camp Live.
For somebody like Robinson? That is a big statement.
Remember that this is somebody who likes to avoid controversy like the plague. He is always measured in his media responses. It is clear the receiver was trying to do the same here. Yet he couldn’t help but admit that the similarities are impossible to ignore. He’s had a front-row seat for watching Fields in training camp, even catching some passes along the way. Robinson is anything but blind.
For him to back up Graham’s claim is the latest evidence yet that the rookie is making an impression. A significant one. The buzz has been building for almost two weeks now. Fields keeps stacking good practices together. Enough to where some wonder if he might steal the starting job from Andy Dalton before the season even begins.
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
Allen Robinson is focused on the task at hand
While it’s fun to look at the many possibilities of playing with Fields, the 27-year old receiver can’t afford to do that. Not with a pivotal 2021 season ahead of him. One where he is playing on the franchise tag and looking at a possible run at free agency next offseason. Robinson knows he has to deliver a big year if he wants to get that massive pay raise he’s been holding out for.
That means working fast to establish a strong connection with Dalton. Like it or not, he is the projected starter. If Allen Robinson wants his money, it will come off the right arm of the veteran quarterback. At least until further notice. There is a chance that Fields sees action sooner than later. The way he is practicing proves that. If he can combine this with a strong preseason?
Then the coaching staff will have a tough decision to make.
That is why excitement is so high for the upcoming opener against Miami on Saturday. Fans are anxious to see where the 11th overall pick is at in his development. Robinson will be there to watch too from the sidelines. Wilson used August as a springboard back in 2012 to claim the starting job as a rookie. Fields could be set to do the same.
