Anybody that has made it an annual thing to follow training camp for the Chicago Bears knows one fundamental truth. At some point, fights will break out. When 90 testosterone-fueled athletes banging into each day after day for weeks, tempers will flare. It’s inevitable. The challenge is preventing those brawls from spiraling out of control. Suddenly one turns into two, then three, and so on until the team’s progress starts to suffer. The Bears had their first such situation on Saturday when the pads went back on. True to form, Justin Fields became a central character.
The spark occurred when the Bears quarterback hit wide receiver Chase Claypool down the sideline. Safety Eddie Jackson delivered a hard hit that sent him out of bounds. Claypool felt it was late and fired the ball at Jackson in retaliation. The two got into a scuffle, and Jackson’s helmet soon got torn off. This created a potential powder keg as the offense and defense soon began shoving matches after almost every play. Things were getting out of control. On cue, alongside Darnell Mooney, Fields approached Jackson and Jaylon Johnson to discuss a truce.
Things quickly settled down after that.
Justin Fields will not be a bystander.
People can talk about his progress as a passer all they want. Nobody has a right to question his ability as a leader. Time and time again, he’s demonstrated a certain knack for getting guys on the same page. Last year it happened when Claypool slammed his helmet in frustration during a game. Fields took him aside and explained that sort of stuff isn’t helpful. Such energy must be channeled in more productive ways. It has to be about the team. It can’t be about the self. That moment in practice was another perfect example. Fields recognized the dust-ups were getting in the way of the important work. So he talked to the defensive leaders about it.
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What he may lack in fiery temperament, Justin Fields makes up for in common sense and wisdom. He is always doing what is best for the team. Nobody can say otherwise. It isn’t hard to understand why teammates love him and have no issues following his lead. This is why Bears fans want him to succeed so badly. He has every other trait you could want in a franchise quarterback. The only thing missing is a consistent ability to win games with his arm. That final test will play out this season.
