Justin Fields has some pretty solid numbers following the end of his preseason. He completed just over 61% of his passes (30-of-49) for 276 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions. That is good for a 96.98 passer rating. More than respectable. He also ran for 92 yards and a touchdown. The 11th overall pick showcased all the natural physical talent that made the Chicago Bears trade up for him back in April.
Yet people who look just at the numbers don’t have a full appreciation for how good Fields has actually been. When watching the tape, they’ll realize the stats could’ve been even better. Following his finale, it’s a safe bet that at least 10 of Fields’ passes during the preseason were either outright dropped or catchable but the receiver/tight end/running back failed to make a proper play on the ball.
It was frustrating to watch.
This isn’t even counting the other issue of the offensive line. Fields was under pressure a lot in the preseason. Even on Saturday night in Tennessee with the Bears’ starting front blocking for him, he was sacked on 3rd down to end the first offensive series of the game. It’s been a recurring theme all preseason. The quarterback hasn’t had a chance to get comfortable behind his protection. Has it mattered? Not really. Fields kept finding ways to make things happen.
This was the second two-minute drill that Fields got to run this preseason. It was also the second that ended with points. However, this one was far more impressive. Outside of one run, the quarterback did it almost entirely with his arm. He calmly worked his progressions, finding open guys, and not panicking. The highlights above missed a great throw to Jesper Horsted that resulted in a pass interference penalty. Then of course came that wow toss to Horsted moments later for the go-ahead touchdown.
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Justin Fields has done more with less than any rookie QB
Trevor Lawrence? Zach Wilson? Trey Lance? Mac Jones? All of those guys have had a chance to throw their passes to players who will be starting for their respective teams going into 2021. Not Fields. In fact, there is a good chance the players that Fields threw to this preseason might not see a single offensive snap this year even if they end up making the roster. Guys like Horsted, Rodney Adams, and Khalil Herbert.
For him to look so sharp regardless is a testament to his talent. Good quarterbacks should be able to elevate the players around them. Justin Fields showed glimpses of that capability over the past month. So one can understand why Bears fans are so giddy with excitement. They haven’t seen something like this before. Sure they’ve seen athletic talents at quarterback like Bobby Douglass, Jay Cutler, and Mitch Trubisky.
None of them had Fields’ presence and control though.
At this point, it feels like his success in the NFL is less about his own ability and more about whether the Bears can build a proper structure around him. Given the state of the offensive line and receiving corps? They have a lot of work to do. Perhaps that is why they’re keen to sit him for the time being.