Training camp is off and running. The first string of practices are in the book. Pads are expected to go on this coming Tuesday. As expected, the major story of the first week has been the quarterbacks. While there is no official competition, it’s hard not to feel like one still exists between veteran starter Andy Dalton and rookie 1st round pick Justin Fields. Thus far the two have traded blows with no clear winner.
Early whispers are that Fields continues to deliver a handful of impressive throws every day. The kind that was somewhat rare the past few years under Mitch Trubisky. A reminder of how gifted the rookie out of Ohio State is. Yet that isn’t the only thing that has the attention of teammates and coaches. It’s also his presence. Fields has a growing reputation for somebody with energy, who carries himself with confidence.
Fellow rookie Thomas Graham Jr. had a better word for it.
This might surprise some people. When seeing Fields talk on camera, he doesn’t always come across as somebody with swagger. Somebody who isn’t afraid to talk trash. Yet the eyewitness accounts of those like Graham say otherwise. While Fields is a humble young man who understands where he came from, he also knows that the vital part of success is believing in what you can do.
Just watch his practice highlights. Whenever he turns that ball loose, his confidence is clearly evident. That is why the passes tend to be right on the money. Fields has work to do. He knows that. It doesn’t scare him. Greatness isn’t something that just gets handed out to anybody. He has to put in the time. That is why he constantly prod coaches, teammates, and even players from other teams for information. Nothing is off-limits.
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Justin Fields isn’t intimidated by the NFL
One of the persistent statements that come up with him since arriving in Chicago is his short memory. The guy is so good at shrugging off mistakes and moving on to the next play. It is why fans haven’t heard about him throwing too many interceptions or bad passes in bunches. When he makes a mistake, he analyzes it and then moves on. That is a rare maturity for a rookie to have.
This is why excitement is rightfully high for him. He has the talent. He has mental toughness. The only thing standing in his way is mastering the complexity of the NFL and adjusting to its increased speed. When that hurdle is cleared, the fun will truly begin.
Teammates can already sense it.
This could be the leader they were hoping for. One who not only led by voice but by example too. Mitch Trubisky had the former part down. He just was never able to back up his words often enough on the field. Justin Fields aims to do exactly that. He’ll have to wait his turn, but the time is coming. Sooner or later. It seems like the hype is only going to continue to build.