In his preseason debut for the Chicago Bears, rookie quarterback Justin Fields showed exactly why the team and city are so excited about him.
Fields started a little slow and did not get much help from his head coach or teammates, with questionable play-calling and a few penalties. But, when he got rolling, there was no stopping him.
He finished the game going 14-of-20 for 142 yards and one passing touchdown while rushing for 33 yards on four carries and also scoring one on the ground. His performance was truly memorable.
Even the experts are calling Fields’ performance the best of all the rookies this past weekend.
Between the patience Fields displayed and his ability to extend plays with his legs, to the zip on his passes while even on the run, every little intangible was there on Saturday. It is safe to say that, following his first performance as a pro, head coach Matt Nagy was going to have an even bigger quarterback controversy on his hands.
After his performance against Miami, Chicago Bears rookie Justin Fields looks like he’ll inch closer to the starting job.
Monday morning when speaking to the media, Nagy described his “plan” to get Fields more reps with the starters this week.
Bears coach Matt Nagy indicates that QB Justin Fields will get more time with WR Allen Robinson and other starters and also against the No. 1 defense. He called it part of the “evaluation process” and part of their plan.
— Adam Jahns (@adamjahns) August 16, 2021
There are two immediate reactions most Bears fans had to this sentiment from Nagy. First, we are all excited to see Fields take reps with the ones. It appears the rookie might actually have a real shot to earn the starting job by Week 1 if he keeps this up. After all, the offense looked so much more dynamic with him under center on Saturday.
Second, hearing Nagy call this part of the “evaluation process” is somewhat laughable. He can continue to backtrack from what he said all offseason long about Andy Dalton being their Week 1 starter, or he can admit that Fields has done enough to turn the tides a little bit.
Does anyone actually believe this is “part of the evaluation process” at this point?
If Fields goes out on Saturday and dazzles us yet again against the Buffalo Bills, Nagy’s whole process may be completely thrown for a loop. No longer can he call Dalton his surefire starter, right?
