People are quick to let their emotions rule their judgment when evaluating Justin Fields. That was always inevitable. Chicago Bears fans have evolved a prey mentality when it comes to the quarterback position, having been burned so many times over the years. Fields showed obvious signs of greatness last season, but his deficiencies as a passer were hard to ignore. Everybody knows he has to improve this year. The Bears have done everything in their power to help, adding D.J. Moore at wide receiver and retooling the offensive line.
His work through most of OTAs and veteran minicamps was mostly positive. He made far more tight window throws than seemed normal for him, which is a great sign. However, he still had occasional issues holding the ball too long and seeing throws get tipped. It’s hardly anything to panic about, but that has never stopped Bears fans before. Thankfully, the quarterback finished on a high note. According to multiple sources, Fields saved his best practice for last.
He carved up the defense most of Thursday morning, delivering multiple pinpoint strikes with no glaring mistakes.
We mentioned the tight window throws. He also showed a willingness to take more check-downs on certain players where deeper options weren’t open. It’s also worth noting he’s been doing this with two of his primary pass targets absent from most of these practices. Darnell Mooney hasn’t returned from the ankle injury that ended his 2022 season. Chase Claypool remains out with multiple soft tissue ailments. That hasn’t stopped Fields from continuing to make positive things happen. He’s leaning on D.J. Moore and also utilizing tight ends Cole Kmet and Robert Tonyan well.
Nobody is saying the quarterback messiah has arrived, but it’s at least clear he is progressing. Justin Fields remains relentless in his pursuit of improvement. Even as the team breaks for the next 40 days, his work will continue almost uninterrupted. Such obsession is bound to yield positive results eventually. We’re already seeing glimpses of it. His strong finish to minicamps was the latest. It will be exciting to see what happens when the pads go on late next month.
