Word is filtering out that Monday’s practice at Halas Hall was probably the best Justin Fields has had yet in his Chicago Bears tenure. The 11th overall pick made a number of standout plays during 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills. This included a 39-yard touchdown bomb to Javon Wims. Not to mention conversions of 3rd and 12, 3rd and 14, and 4th and 7 using his legs. Yet amazingly all of those weren’t his best moments.
That came earlier in drills. Fields was flushed to his left during one play. Rather than take off and run, the rookie contorted his body and flung a sidearm throw to tight end Jesse James for a big play over the middle. So much about it was crazy. That he was able to get his body around enough to make an accurate throw. That he got the ball over the outstretched fingers of Mario Edwards Jr. The best part though was how he squeezed it into James’ body despite Jordan Lucas and Jeremiah Attaochu being right on top of him.
Yet the Bears provided video evidence as undeniable proof.
That clip offers a reminder of how talented Justin Fields really is. Yes, it’s training camp and nobody is in pads. Still, people need to understand how difficult that throw is. He is running fast to his left, has to turn his body enough to throw a ball accurately to a moving target in a small window. Oh, and it did it sidearm, which takes more arm strength than you realize. The kid is a ridiculous physical specimen.
It’s also encouraging that he didn’t let his early struggles to start camp fluster him. He didn’t lose his willingness to be aggressive. His mentality is to attack. If he thinks he can fit the ball in there, he’s going to try.
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Justin Fields is taking command of his situation
While he may not be the starter yet, he’s certainly operating like one. He’s in charge of the #2 offense and reportedly made it his mission for everybody to be on the same page. Prior to that James completion, he actually saw the tight end run the wrong route on a previous play. The QB pulled him aside and instructed him on how to do it correctly. Their chemistry is rather remarkable considering James arrived less than a week ago.
Wims is also proving an early beneficiary of Fields’ presence, having made a number of nice catches the past couple of days including the TD grab. This is the latest evidence that Justin Fields is capable of elevating those around him. Even if it’s against the #2 defense, the fact remains that he is making things happen.
This throw highlights that.
Pads go on for the first time on Tuesday with the first preseason game then two weeks away. The excitement continues to build for that. Head coach Matt Nagy has said the rookie will see plenty of action in those contests. A perfect opportunity to get him live game experience. If he continues on this trajectory, the hype may get out of control.