For those who don’t remember, Eddie Jackson is a Justin Fields fan. That became obvious when he posted a video on Instagram during the draft of his reaction to the Chicago Bears drafting the Ohio State quarterback. So he at least had some idea of what the team was getting. There was genuine excitement in his voice that night. Now after several months of seeing the rookie work, has his opinion changed? Yes. It somehow went even higher.
In an interview with Jarrett Payton for WGN, the safety had a chance to talk about everything from his charity work to how he’s hoping to rebound from a difficult 2020 and his impressions of new defensive coordinator Sean Desai. Eventually, the topic of Fields came up. It was here that Jackson shared a fun little story of what happened as he watched the young quarterback work in the preseason.
The excitement in Jackson’s voice is palpable.
He explained that what made Fields so intriguing is how he operates like a veteran despite being so young. The kid sees things guys his age usually don’t and also displays a level of confidence that few can match. Particularly when it comes to attacking down the field. It became apparent throughout August that if Fields saw a receiver one on one on the outside? He was going that way.
While Jackson made sure to praise Andy Dalton too, it was obvious the safety can’t wait to see Fields step in. One can safely assume several others on the defense feel the same way. Anticipation is growing ever since the rookie put on a strong display in the preseason. One where he showed marked improvement with each passing week. No doubt that crazy throw he made to Jesper Horsted in the finale against Tennessee had everybody buzzing.
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Eddie Jackson offers a glimpse at something else
The delicate nature of the Bears locker room. Multiple former players have warned that what head coach Matt Nagy is doing is dangerous. While sitting Fields in favor of Dalton might make sense on paper, it won’t make sense to a lot of guys in that locker room. Players who might not be part of the team’s “future.” They’re trying to win right now. Doesn’t Nagy owe it to them to play the best quarterback?
There is a good chance a number of players in that locker room feel that Fields gives this team the best chance to win. He is certainly the more talented of the two. Dalton is a smart veteran and a good leader. Yet people know what he is by this point. They know his ceiling. Chicago isn’t winning a championship with him. Fields has that enticing capability. Will Eddie Jackson and others stay patient with the process?
Not if they start losing.
All the pressure is on Dalton to prevent this. If he doesn’t perform well enough to win some football games, the calls for Fields will grow deafening. Not just from fans and media but even some in the locker room too. It will be interesting to see how committed Nagy is to his plan if that ends up happening.
