This summer, Chicago Bears second-year quarterback Justin Fields is the undisputed “guy” and it is showing up often. That is a common theme from anyone you ask. Players and coaches have noted his progress just since the spring. And the Bears just did one of the best things possible to see that progress continue.
Adding offensive linemen Riley Reiff and Michael Schofield will only help the blocking in front of Fields. Even if they are not on the field. Both players have said they are willing to help the younger guys along.
But none of it will matter if Fields doesn’t take the next step in his development. By all accounts, that could be coming.
Bears QB Justin Fields Confident, In Command Early in Training Camp
A Leveled Fields
To a man, Bears players that were around last season have made note of the difference in Fields. He has said that just knowing that the starting job is his has allowed him to prepare with more confidence. Last year, the previous regime not only failed to name Fields the starter over Andy Dalton, but they also failed to prepare him in the event he would have to start.
He eventually did have to step in and it went very poorly, as fans may remember.
This year, he has already earned praise from new offensive coordinator Luke Getsy who made note of how far Fields has come since the team was together for OTAs among other things.
“That guy, he’s a natural-born-leader type of guy…We’re lucky to have a guy like him leading this thing.”
.@justnfields: man of the people 🫡 pic.twitter.com/jzBTcFDbEO
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) July 28, 2022
Getsy was not the only one to show love to the Bears passer. Third-year tight end Cole Kmet, who caught the best pass of the day, talked about the work they put in this offseason.
Kmet said that throw doesn’t happen last season.
“We were working with another quarterback the whole offseason and Justin comes in. It’s tough. It’s tough for guys to get a rhythm going…Now we’ve had a full offseason with one guy and you can really build upon things and try some things out.”
The tight end said they have been doing just that and experimenting with the newfound comfort.
Bears number one receiver Darnell Mooney, who had a nice grab of his own where he went up and snagged the ball out of the air, has seen the growth in Fields as well.
“Him just being more vocal. Just having the understanding that he is the guy and that this is his team.”
Mooney said that seeing Fields get extra work in after practice inspires teammates to do the same calling his quarterback a “good guy” and “great player” with a matching work ethic.
Asked why he is so confident in Fields, Mooney was direct.
“Because we’ll have his back. We’re going to help him out for sure.”
He added that leading is more “natural” for Fields now as opposed to hearing it from the other, more experienced quarterbacks on last season’s roster. That has made it easier for Fields to translate what he is taking in, Mooney said.
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A Fields Day
Through two days of training camp practices, the defense has been noticeably ahead of the offense. Getsy, Kmet, and Mooney have all called the offense a work in progress but all have said they are better now than they were in the spring.
Getsy added that he has been more “p*****” at the lack of execution than the results of any given play.
Still, it would be nice for the team’s confidence – and perhaps the confidence of any fans that may be in attendance – to see the offense have a good day and build momentum off of it. That will come before the end of training camp if everyone is right about Fields.
