It seems like not only the fans are hyped up to have Justin Fields in a Chicago Bears uniform. The coaching staff is pretty excited too. That was demonstrated on the second day of rookie minicamps. During one of the throwing drills, quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo was spotted directly behind Fields. When the QB threw a sharp pass to his left, it was apparently quite good because DeFilippo immediately pumped his fist in the air.
Based on the footage provided? Fields had a strong afternoon of work. His passes were crisp and on target, hitting receivers in stride. Yes they were against air with no defensive pressure. Still, it’s always a good sign that a QB can hit the easy throws as if they’re routine. This was a problem that Mitch Trubisky ran into when he was a rookie. Perhaps a small red flag at the time people ignored.
Doesn’t seem Fields suffers from the same problems.
One has to imagine DeFilippo is intrigued by the possibilities of Fields. This is a coach who has worked with a lot of high draft choices in his career. Among them being JaMarcus Russell, Mark Sanchez, Derek Carr, and Carson Wentz. It isn’t a huge stretch to wonder if Fields might be the most naturally gifted player he’s had a chance to work with. The athleticism is well-documented, but a lot of people still don’t understand how natural a passer he is.
It is that combination that no doubt excited the Bears most of all when they traded up to get him. If he can learn to master the speed of the NFL level, there isn’t anybody who can stop him from becoming a star.
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John DeFilippo has a chance to do something special
Thus far his career is pockmarked by a lot of success. Particularly at helping young QBs develop into productive players. Wentz and Gardner Minshew are his two best examples. This is a big reason why for a period of time he was a hot name in head coaching circles. Try to imagine what it could do for his reputation if he managed to help deliver a franchise quarterback to Chicago. A city that hasn’t had one in at least 40 years. Maybe longer depending on your opinions of Jim McMahon.
That could do wonders for John DeFilippo in his bid to regain credibility across the NFL. One thing is for sure. His presence will only help Fields get better. His arrival last year certainly helped Mitch Trubisky. While it didn’t magically transform him into a good quarterback, he did at least get closer to the form he showed in 2018. If Fields can take the same stern instructions DeFilippo is known for? He’ll do well.
He doesn’t seem like the type who has thin skin.
Action figures to pick up once the veterans arrive in the near future. That is when Fields will start to see stiffer tests in terms of coverage. The coaches also figure to put more on his plate in terms of plays to absorb and execute in practice. It’ll be interesting to see how he handles it moving forward.
