The reaction videos from Chicago Bears fans when their team successfully traded up for Justin Fields are a must-watch. Pure joy and elation. This was finally a quarterback they could genuinely throw their hopes behind. Somebody with an elite ceiling who’d played two seasons in some of the biggest games college football had to offer. Looking good throughout most of that time.
Yet the one reaction video that we didn’t get to see was from the Bears brass. The guys who made the actual trade happen. Adam Jahns of The Athletic told the story in a column a few weeks ago. The tension in the room as they were on the phone with the New York Giants. The comment that the offer had been accepted and Fields was going to be a Bear. Matt Nagy was beside himself with relief. Everybody there was thrilled.
At last, evidence has finally surfaced.
Season 2 of the Bears’ popular YouTube series 1920 Football Drive started with a bang. It gave fans a close-up look at the scouting process and the pre-draft interviews every eventual pick had with the team. Fields certainly stood out in that regard. Then of course came the draft itself. After showing the NFL Network footage of the Bears officially jumping to the 11th pick, it shifted to a shot of their draft room.
GM Ryan Pace, head coach Matt Nagy, and team president Ted Phillips all huddled around the phone. An inaudible comment is made and Nagy immediately pops out of his chair. That is when the handshakes, hugs, and fist pumps began. A clear sign of just how badly the team wanted that moment to happen.
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Justin Fields is already making an impression
While everybody wants to see Fields in action as soon as possible, the Bears know this is not something they can afford to screw up. Nagy intends to not let the rookie on the field until he is absolutely certain he’s ready. That is why Andy Dalton is getting the 1st team reps in practice. Having the three-time Pro Bowler in place affords Chicago a chance to take their time in developing their prized pick the right way.
That said, word persists that the coaches are leaving the door open. If Justin Fields shows enough in training camp and the preseason, there is a chance he could steal the starting job outright. Based on the initial impressions? He’s off to a good start. The episode also showed QB coach John DeFilippo and offensive coordinator Bill Lazor whispering to each other about how fast the rookie is taking command of the offense.
Not to mention his self-confidence.
There is so much to get excited about with this young man. If he learns to grasp the NFL speed and is the workaholic all reports claim him to be? Then he is going to be a success before too long. There is just too much talent for him to work with. The Bears just need to make sure they surround him with enough help moving forward.