The Chicago Bears can’t afford to get ahead of themselves. There is a long way to go before the regular season arrives. That being said, it’s hard not to feel like they got better at quarterback this offseason. Andy Dalton and Justin Fields have looked far sharper in training camp thus far than Mitch Trubisky and Nick Foles did last year. Dalton’s consistency and vocal leadership have him earning high praise from teammates.
Yet the real excitement centers around Fields. That is hardly a surprise. He’s the 11th overall pick. A superstar for the past two years at Ohio State. Everybody knows this team is going to be his sooner or later. His talent is among the best to come out of college in the past several years. Yet what a lot of people still fail to grasp is how smart he is. Not to mention is totally dedicated to his craft.
Need an idea of how serious he is?
Stacey Dales appeared on NFL Network recently. She spoke about the Bears’ quarterback situation and had a chance to talk with head coach Matt Nagy. He stated that the rookie is already ahead of the curve in terms of learning the offense. Part of that is his previously mentioned intelligence. However, what separates him from others that the team is quickly becoming acquainted with? His obsession with football.
Most guys who reach the NFL usually have a strong work ethic. However, what separates the great players from everybody else is just how crazy they get with their preparation. No extra minute is spared. Every waking moment is spent thinking about football. That might sound like a bleak existence to many but this is the reality of the game. It is so competitive and challenging that one must fully immerse himself in it to achieve his ultimate goals.
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Justin Fields already understands this reality
Something that is quite rare for a rookie. Often it takes a couple of years before a young player begins to truly grasp the level of work it takes to be the best. Fields is already at that point. He practically has a second bed in the weight room. He does film work all the time and texts with coaches constantly running through cadences and other facets of the offense. At the same time, he constantly talks with teammates, connecting with them.
It’s fair to wonder if the guy ever sleeps. Yet that is the entire point. Justin Fields has thrown himself entirely into the role of a franchise quarterback. Having talent is only part of the equation. Mastering the offense and getting the rest of the team to follow him. Those are the other two vital factors that most previous Bears quarterbacks failed to achieve.
This young man has his head in the right place.
Family? Friends? Personal hobbies? All of that does matter, sure. Still, the harsh truth is all will be taking minor roles in his life moving forward. Fields is determined to be great and is prepared to make the sacrifices necessary. That is all the team can ask of him at this point.