Justin Fields caused a bit of a stir when practices first began for the Chicago Bears back in May. Despite being a rookie who only just started learning the playbook, that didn’t stop him from critiquing fellow wide receivers on their routes and other things. The quarterback was making it clear what he wanted and expected out of them from the start. This isn’t something that just began the moment he got to Chicago either.
Fields did that in college too. In fact, he demonstrated a willingness to even do it with players who obviously weren’t going to be his teammates. During the documentary Hey Rookie Welcome To The NFL, the quarterback was conducting workouts with several future 1st round picks leading up to the draft. One of them was the eventual #4 overall selection, tight end Kyle Pitts. The two got together for a throwing session before the draft.
It was there Fields critiqued his fellow draft mate on what he was doing wrong.
This offers a window into the type of leader Fields is. Notice he wasn’t shouting at Pitts. Nor was he being purposely mean with his comments. It was more about challenging the big tight end to get his details right. Keep in mind that concentration is going to be pivotal in the NFL. Both in catching the ball and getting his feet down. No shouting. Just firm, calm direction.
Pitts went right back and made the adjustments on subsequent throws. Then for good measure, he made it clear that Fields was supposed to end up at Florida. A clear indication the tight end wishes he’d gotten a chance to play with the QB. Fields did visit Florida during his college recruiting trips. In the end, he chose to stay close to home at Georgia University.
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Justin Fields knows what is expected of him
Quarterbacks are the central component to team success in football these days. So the man in that spot should be the leader. He must be the one who sets the level of expectations, on and off the field. Knowing Fields, his demands are high. He wants to be great and he wants to win. This is a huge reason why the Bears worked so hard to draft him. They want somebody exactly like that leading their franchise.
Thus far he’s been exactly as advertised. It doesn’t matter if you’re a rookie, a veteran, or even a player who’s not even on his team. If you work out with him, expect comments whenever you do something wrong. That is how he is wired. He’ll admit his own mistakes when necessary, but the man won’t sacrifice his high standards for anybody. That is why Justin Fields is so easy to like.
Now the wait begins.
Training camp is right around the corner. How long before Fields gets to see his first proper action this season? Expectations are he’ll play a lot in the preseason but head coach Matt Nagy has made it clear Andy Dalton is the starter this year. How long that lasts depends on how well he plays and how well Fields practices. It will be a major subplot every single week.
