People have thrown around comparisons for Justin Fields since he arrived in the NFL. Initial thoughts were lots of Cam Newton. Then it started to shift more towards Russell Wilson. Somebody the QB himself said he tries to model his game after. However, the most popular name that gets connected to the Chicago Bears rookie is Dallas Cowboys star Dak Prescott. It isn’t a hard leap to make.
Prescott is a mobile quarterback known for preferring to play from the pocket whenever possible. He only runs when he has to, but when he does he can make plays. When watching Fields over the past several months? The similarities are apparent. However, at least one person doesn’t agree. Wide receiver Jon’Vea Johnson, the Bears’ training camp hero, spent two years in Dallas with the Cowboys. He saw Prescott up close. While he can see the similarities, he made one thing clear to Adam Jahns of The Athletic.
Fields is considerably more gifted.
“Justin’s just a little more athletic than Dak, or a lot more I guess you could say, a lot faster,” Johnson said. “When he gets running out of the pocket, he can keep a play alive. Whew. Not saying that Dak can’t, but Justin’s younger, you know what I’m saying? A younger guy and faster. Man, his arm might be a little stronger than Dak’s, too, so sheesh, that’s a weapon right there.”
Johnson didn’t even try to hide his excitement about the Bears’ young quarterback. After spending all summer with him, the receiver sounds convinced that big things are ahead for Fields and the organization. Prescott is a really good quarterback. Top 6 or 7 in the NFL. For somebody to say Fields has a chance to not just be better but significantly better? It is hard not to let the excitement spiral out of control.
The buzz around the 11th overall pick has continued to rise for the past month. Not just among fans and media. Even those inside the organization can sense something. Fields’ talent isn’t the only reason. His calm, poise, and leadership have also shown up multiple times. Especially during the preseason games where he was the most pressured rookie QB in the NFL. Yet still finished with a passer rating over 96.
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Justin Fields may get treatment Prescott was supposed to
People forget that the Cowboys quarterback was never supposed to see the field when he did back in 2016. Tony Romo was still the quarterback at that time. The plan was for Prescott to sit and learn behind him and maybe develop into the starter eventually. Then Romo got injured in the first game of the season. Prescott stepped in, went 13-3, and made the Pro Bowl. The job was his from that point on.
Now Justin Fields finds himself in a similar situation. The Bears obviously view him as their future. However, they aren’t anxious to get him into action just yet. Andy Dalton is still slated to be the starter. He’s more experienced and able to pick up their complicated offense faster. Provided he gets adequate protection, he should be able to produce modest success offensively for them.
Plenty of people aren’t happy about that.
Head coach Matt Nagy understands the frustration but is committed to his course. He believes Fields has a chance to be special. His job is to make sure that happens. If sitting the kid until he’s ready is what they must do, then it will be done. The Bears are determined to get this thing right after so many years. Based on what Johnson is saying though? It sounds like Fields is ready to go right now.
