Justin Fields looked like a different player on Sunday against the Detroit Lions. Yes, it’s the Lions and they’re clearly a team in transition. Still, for the Chicago Bears rookie to deliver such an encouraging performance one week after being taken to the woodshed by Cleveland? That speaks to both his mental and physical toughness. More than anything, what stood out the most was his attacking mentality.
Never was that clearer than early in the game. Backed up deep in Bears territory, Fields faced 2nd and 11. Getting good protection, he stepped up and threw an absolute laser to Darnell Mooney for 64 yards. The ball hit him in stride too. Something fans haven’t seen happen much over the years. One person who couldn’t get enough of it was Brian Baldinger. The former offensive linemen and well-respected tape analyst went over that play over and over. He came away with one notable conclusion.
Fields is special.
.@ChicagoBears @justnfields to @Darnell_M1 for +64. I am so happy. Giddy. Pumped. That the great city of Chicago has a QB. Can’t recall a QB in Chicago in modern history make this throw look so easy. Protect this talent and build around him. Never STOP #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/hRxZWLgjGf
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) October 6, 2021
It gets even better. Baldinger was so caught up in the throw itself, understandably so, that he neglected to mention one of the best parts. As Fields hit his back step, he ever so briefly glanced to his left. That helped to keep the deep safety from moving over to help against Mooney until it was too late. Not to worry though. Former Bears receiver Taylor Gabriel was quick to point it out.
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Baldy he even looked the safety off that’s big for a rookie moving a defense
— Taylor Gabriel (@TGdadon1) October 6, 2021
Things like that are the subtleties an NFL quarterback needs to have success. For Fields to do it in his second-ever start? That speaks to his excellent preparation and attention to detail. It also killed more of that pre-draft chatter about him too often locking in on one receiver. He is playing the position like a professional already. This is what has people like Baldinger so excited. Justin Fields isn’t leaning solely on his mobility like he so easily could. He is striving to play the position the right way.
This is why he has a chance to become exactly that. Special.
