Anybody who has watched Kurt Warner as an analyst for long enough will know one thing. When it comes to evaluating the position, he can be notoriously hard on players. He’s a stickler for details and isn’t afraid to nitpick. That is probably why he is a Hall of Famer. So it was going to be interesting when he started to break down all the rookie quarterbacks from the 2021 draft class.
That obviously included Justin Fields. It wasn’t surprising that Warner had some critiques of the 11th overall pick. Like any rookie, he has things he’ll have to work on. Learning to throw with more timing and anticipation is one of them. However, when watching the former MVP go through his video on his QB Confidential YouTube channel, it isn’t hard to hear how impressed Warner is with the Bears quarterback.
Especially his athleticism, ball placement, and ability to recognize coverages.
When re-watching the preseason, it’s evident that Fields progressed over the course of the three games he played. He seemed to grow more comfortable and confident within the offense. At first, he was doing what he can always do, moving around to either pick up yards with his legs or buy time to find an open receiver. By the third game against the Titans? He was staying in the pocket more and making better reads, delivering the ball with authority and accuracy.
Warner pointed out he still has to get better at throwing with anticipation. Something that is key for the type of offense the Bears run. Nobody should be surprised he isn’t there yet. It takes time to learn that sort of process. Fields never had to do it at Ohio State. There was always going to be an adjustment period. Until then, he’s more than capable of compensating with his elite-tier athleticism.
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Kurt Warner knows the benefits of waiting your turn
While he understands the allure of starting Fields right away, there is definitely a benefit sitting for a little while and learning the NFL game. Warner had to do this himself. People today remember him as a former MVP who was great from the moment he stepped on the field. In reality, it took some time for him to get that opportunity. He was cut as a backup in Green Bay, spent some time in the Arena League, then returned as a backup in St. Louis before finally getting the nod in 1999.
Obviously, Fields isn’t going to wait years for his shot. The point from Kurt Warner is there can absolutely be a benefit to sitting at first. A chance to see the NFL speed from the sideline and how a veteran like Andy Dalton operates in the flow of a real game. At the same time, the rookie’s mastery of the system will continue to grow. This means the odds of his head swimming when he finally does play reduce.
Either way, it’s apparent the kid is progressing quickly.
Warner is preaching patience. He still has work to do. That is fair. Yet for a fanbase that hasn’t had a good QB in literal ages? It is difficult to contain enthusiasm and hope for what Fields may represent. A chance to finally emerge from purgatory. It is a lot of pressure to carry. Then again, pressure is nothing new to him.