The Chicago Bears didn’t need it to be pretty. All they needed was a win. That is what they got. As is almost always the case, it was the defense guiding the way. No question Sunday’s Soldier Field opener was one of the best performances the Bears defense has had in a long time. For the first 55 minutes of the game, they were everywhere. The Cincinnati Bengals had no answers for them. Joe Burrow was sacked five times and intercepted three times. Joe Mixon managed just 69 yards rushing. There were many heroes on the afternoon, but one wanted to make sure he got the credit. Justin Fields.

This is made in jest of course. The rookie quarterback didn’t actually say anything to that effect. However, when listening to him speak during his post-game press conference, it can be misconstrued that way. Fields explained how proud he was of the defense in their big rebound effort after a deflating opener against the Los Angeles Rams last week. A game the QB blamed himself for. Why? A belief that he and the Bears practice scout team didn’t do a good enough job preparing the defense.

So this past week, the rookie made it his mission to challenge them.

Safe to say his efforts were rewarded. Outside one bad drive late in the 4th quarter, the defense was outstanding. The second touchdown they gave up to make in 20-17 was really on them. That was set up by a bad interception by Fields to Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson. It shouldn’t take away from an all-around excellent effort by a group that many felt was in decline. Yet it was young guys like Roquan Smith, Bilal Nichols, and Jaylon Johnson who spearheaded the dominance.

Justin Fields doesn’t want to lean on the defense forever

While he said he did enough to help win the game, the rookie wasn’t happy with how he played. Too many missed opportunities. Too many mistakes. Things he’ll have to clean up moving forward. It shouldn’t be a surprise. Not only is Fields a rookie, but he had hardly any training camp work with the #1 offense. So there were bound to be communication and timing issues.

The thing is the stats don’t tell the full story. Justin Fields should’ve had two touchdowns at least on the afternoon. One was dropped on a deep pass to Allen Robinson. The other was a run that would’ve been a walk-in score if not for a whiffed block by Jimmy Graham. There were some really impressive throws by the rookie that weren’t completed. So don’t get too lost in the number. Besides, one can’t deny he made the big play when he had to. That came on the 3rd and 9 when he scrambled for a first down with just minutes remaining.

His calm under pressure is hard to deny.

Fans may get a chance to see him again next week. Andy Dalton is nursing a knee injury. The extent of which remains unknown. If he’s ailing, then Fields could get the start in Cleveland against the Browns. Presuming the defense plays up to this same level next week? Then Fields might give them a chance to pull a major upset.