The NFL is a professional sports league. One of the most prestigious in American sports. Some of the best athletes in the entire country and even abroad fight hard for opportunities to play in it. That is why it can be so challenging for quarterbacks to have success in it. The speed at which the game is played is on another level. That is why most rookie quarterbacks have every reason to be wary of its challenges. Justin Fields is no different. Right?
One thing that has stood out almost immediately with the new Chicago Bears quarterback is his calm, self-assured demeanor. He doesn’t come across as some kid who is still wet behind the ears. Fields carries himself like somebody who knows he’s good. Not just because of his raw ability but because he puts in the necessary work to make himself better. There was a hint of that during a recent interview.
Former Bears QB Jim Miller talked with him for SiriusXM NFL Radio.
He asked Fields about what was one thing he or others may think he needs to work on in order to get better as he transitions to the NFL. The young quarterback didn’t seem at all perturbed or overwhelmed by the question. If anything he implied a lot of the things he was doing at Ohio State prepared him quite well for what he’d see at the pro level. All he’d have to do is get used to the terminology of the Bears’ system and understanding cadences.
NEW @ChicagoBears QB @justnfields on how he fits into Matt Nagy's offense and why he's "excited for the future" in the Windy City.
Video👇#BearDown #Bears pic.twitter.com/OfsGDSInFe
— SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) May 10, 2021
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What he says isn’t unfounded. Fields was in control of several facets of the Buckeyes offense. That includes setting and adjusting protections while also recognizing when to change plays and understanding when he has the defense at a disadvantage. One must not forget he played in a good conference for two years. One that had three top 10 defenses in 2019 alone. So it’s not like he feasted on cupcakes. This young man is battle-tested against good, well-coached schemes.
It’s little wonder he feels prepared.
Justin Fields is already putting in the work
Head coach Matt Nagy revealed the quarterback is practicing cadences in his bedroom at night. There isn’t a wasted moment for him with rookie minicamps approaching and training camp looming on the horizon. The 2021 season will be here before anybody realizes it. Fields isn’t going to be caught unprepared. He’s training like somebody who aims to force Nagy and the coaches to make a tough decision about whether to keep him on the bench at all.
Plenty of experts think it’s pointless to waste time on Andy Dalton. Sure he’s the more experienced player and the Bears promised him a chance to start. The problem is he’s not Justin Fields. From a talent perspective, the two aren’t in the same league. Dalton’s only advantage is his years of understanding NFL complexities and a one-month head start in learning the offense. Is that enough to hold the rookie off?
Maybe. Maybe not.
One thing is pretty clear. Fields isn’t going to just sit back be okay with not playing. Remember he transferred from Georgia back in 2019 because he felt he wasn’t going to see action quickly enough. So he left for Ohio State and even got into a legal battle with the NCAA to make sure he could play right away. That is how obsessed this kid is. Dalton better be prepared for a battle.