Justin Fields faced an uphill battle when the 2022 off-season began. He had to recover from the shellshock of his rookie year, where he took 36 sacks and several more hits. It was the kind of season that could quickly shake a player’s confidence. At the same time, he would have to embrace a new coaching staff with a completely new offense. It is a lot to overcome, but Fields has never feared a challenge. Hard work is second nature to him. So the young quarterback jumped in with both feet.
Everything offensive coordinator Luke Getsy wanted from him, he did. The footwork was changed. The throwing motion was changed. Details, both large and small, were accounted for. Fields needed to see the game from a new perspective, both before and after the snap. It wasn’t easy. Early spring and training camp practices showcased how complicated the process was. Fields sometimes looked hesitant, unsure of where to go with the ball.
Getsy wasn’t concerned.
He felt the talent and work ethic would win out with enough time. What Fields needed was game reps. He had to execute the offense in live situations. That is why the preseason was so crucial to his development. His first two games against Kansas City and Seattle were a mixed bag. He had some of his trademark highlight throws, showcasing that excellent accuracy. On the other hand, he also demonstrated lingering bad tendencies.
Among them was his propensity to take off and run too soon rather than step up into the pocket. Those habits can be difficult to break. Then the Cleveland game happened. Fields overcame a sluggish start to finish 14-of-16 for 158 yards and three touchdowns. It marked the first time he seemed in complete control of the offense. Former NFL quarterback J.T. O’Sullivan watched the film. He came away stunned at how quickly the 23-year-old had progressed.
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Justin Fields was already dangerous. Now he’s figuring it out.
Teams said from the beginning that he could give defenses nightmares because of his rare mix of athleticism and arm strength. He already has one of the best deep balls in the league. Improving his prowess from the pocket was the key to making him truly lethal. Make it so that he doesn’t run out of necessity, but when he wants to. A quarterback that can kill you both inside and outside the pocket is almost indefensible.
Preseason or not, Justin Fields gave a taste of that against Cleveland. Two of his three touchdown passes were straight drops in the pocket that he delivered with timing and rhythm. He worked his progressions and threw excellent balls. The third touchdown came on a bootleg where he strung things out, forcing the defense to choose between stopping him from running or continuing to play coverage. They chose the former, and Cole Kmet made them pay.
That is a taste of things to come.
Fields’ success this season depends less and less on his ability, it seems. Now it comes down to whether the offensive line can protect him. He was kept upright most of Saturday night and looked outstanding. If that can carry into the regular season, there is no telling how good he could be. Odds are he will still have periods of struggle. Still, the evidence of ascent is hard to ignore.
