Chicago Bears training camp has begun. The first fan-attended practice goes down today and it’s hardly a secret where their attention will be focused. It will be any and all things Justin Fields. The 11th overall pick of the draft is viewed as the future of the franchise. Somebody who might finally be able to drag the organization out of its own personal hell when it comes to the quarterback position.
What nobody knows for sure is when he will actually play. Head coach Matt Nagy has stated time and again since the draft that he has a plan for Fields. One that involves him sitting on the bench while Andy Dalton is the starter. The idea is simple. The rookie gets a chance to sit back and learn the speed and complexity of the NFL game. All without having to take the accompanying hits.
It is a strategy that has worked in the past.
Most recently with Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City. However, a lot of people aren’t happy with this. They believe it is pointless to sit Fields. He is already the more talented player than Dalton and can learn more by actually playing. How talented is he? Former Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion Ryan Clark spelled it out on NFL Live for ESPN.
"Matt Nagy should be thinking about 'Who can save my job?'… If I'm Matt Nagy I am pushing for Justin Fields to be the starter and if I'm a Chicago Bears fan I am praying that he earns that spot."@Realrclark25 thinks Justin Fields should be the starter in Chicago ASAP👀 pic.twitter.com/UxdRVvknP4
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) July 27, 2021
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
It’s interesting that Clark makes that comparison. Prescott famously delivered one of the best seasons a rookie quarterback has ever had back in 2016. Starting every game, he threw for 3,667 yards, 23 touchdowns, and just four interceptions. He added 262 yards and six touchdowns on the ground. The Dallas Cowboys went 13-3 that year. If Clark is right about Fields, then he should be capable of something similar.
Key difference is Justin Fields won’t have same supporting cast
Prescott enjoyed the perfect situation when he arrived in Dallas. Headlined by an elite offensive line that featured All-Pros Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick, and Zack Martin. He also handed off to All-Pro running back Ezekiel Elliott while throwing to a solid trio of receivers Cole Beasley, Terrance Williams, and tight end Jason Witten. While the young QB was great that year, he had a ton of help surrounding him.
The same can’t really be said for Justin Fields. While the Bears offense is hardly devoid of talent, it isn’t anywhere near the level the Cowboys were five years ago. Especially up front. They have two solid guards in Cody Whitehair and James Daniels. Beyond that? There are question marks including an untried rookie left tackle in Teven Jenkins. One can understand why Nagy is reluctant to throw his young QB behind that group.
At least before he knows what they have.
The comparison to Prescott from a talent perspective is valid. Fields can do everything the Cowboys star does and has an even higher ceiling physically. The question is will he be able to master the mental side of the game as well? That is what he’s working hard to learn over at Halas Hall right now. It is going to be a challenging process.