Chicago Bears fans erupted in joy the moment the Chicago Bears drafted Justin Fields. It was their first sign of true hope at the quarterback position in a long time. They based this off his impressive two-year run at Ohio State. The kid looked like franchise quarterback material. Ultimately though it falls to the coaching staff to determine if they truly have something or not. It didn’t take Matt Nagy too long to realize Mitch Trubisky wasn’t what many had hoped for.
Could the same happen with Fields? Not based on the latest evidence. The Bears unveiled their second season of 1920 Football Drive. A web series on YouTube that chronicles the team’s offseason and build to training camp. The first episode didn’t disappoint, covering the climactic moment Fields was drafted and his introduction to Soldier Field. Yet the most exciting moment may have come during his first practice at rookie minicamps.
It came in between drills.
Quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo and offensive coordinator Bill Lazor got together. It was here DeFilippo commented about how good Fields already looked in the huddle. Lazor quickly agreed, pointing out how the rookie was handling checks at the line. What stood out for both of them though? His confidence. Fields just seems to have a “presence” about him.
To hear two experienced coaches talk like that about a rookie is not normal. The fact it’s a rookie quarterback only makes it more exciting. Remember DeFilippo has coached some pretty good players. Eli Manning, Kurt Warner, Derek Carr, Carson Wentz, and Kirk Cousins. He knows what the good ones are supposed to look and sound like. Lazor worked with Matt Hasselbeck and Ryan Tannehill. For these two men to be talking about Fields like this already is fascinating.
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Justin Fields mania figures to only build from here
The quarterback has said and done everything right thus far. Not at all surprising. He’s built this image over the last several years. Cameras have been in front of him since his final year of high school. The spotlight is nothing new to him. Fields himself said he thinks he is built for this. Based on the comments from his coaches, it is hard to disagree. Despite being a rookie, it sounds like he already carries himself like a 10-year veteran.
People can’t wait to see him when the pads finally go on. Training camp begins on July 31st. The preseason will follow two weeks later. Current plans are Justin Fields will get 2nd team reps while Andy Dalton works with the 1st team. What happens in August may determine how the 2021 season unfolds.
Can he steal the job outright?
Dalton has no plans to hand it over. So Fields will have to continue making strong impressions in practice. Then he’ll have to transfer it into game action. One can only imagine how hyped Soldier Field will be in that preseason opener against Miami when he finally gets on the field. As exhibitions go, it is going to be exciting.