Justin Fields isn’t one to rock the boat with controversy. That is why he moved so quickly to retract his statements about the coaches making him too robotic a few years ago. He knew he’d messed up and didn’t want the situation to fester. The same goes for now. His job is to be a good teammate and help Tyson Bagent prepare for another start on Sunday in Los Angeles. To his credit, Fields has done that with 100% commitment. However, he isn’t dumb. Fields understands the dangerous spot he’s in. There have many cases over the last century of NFL football where a quarterback gets hurt, a young backup steps in, plays well, and ends up keeping the job.
It happened with Brock Purdy and Trey Lance, Tom Brady and Drew Bledsoe, Kurt Warner and Trent Green, and Tony Romo and Drew Bledsoe, among others. Fields knows he hasn’t done enough to have total control of the Bears’ starting job. So, seeing Bagent win last Sunday against Las Vegas must’ve been partially unnerving. Unless he gets back soon, there is a danger the undrafted rookie might steal his job. That might explain why he’s pushing hard to return, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. Fields has a specific date in mind, too.
“While Justin Fields remains doubtful for Sunday vs. the Chargers, the Bears quarterback is determined to get back as early as Week 9, according to people with the team. “He’s definitely working toward that,” a source said. Fields’ availability hinges on his ability to grip and throw a football, which could take time. But he’s been diligent in his rehab and game prep and hopes to avoid injured reserve.”
Justin Fields is a competitor. That has never changed.
His primary motivation is getting back to help his team win. His toughness was never in question. The primary issue was protecting him from himself at times. Trainers must be careful about letting him be too reckless with his health. Still, if he gets his wish, that means he will be back for the November 5th game in New Orleans against the Saints. Say this for the man. He loves accepting a challenge. Despite their 3-4 record, the Saints have one of the best defenses in the league. They’re 4th against the pass with 14 sacks and eight interceptions.
If the Bears somehow upset the Chargers in Los Angeles, Justin Fields could set himself up to be the hero by taking down New Orleans to get the season back on track. Chicago would be 4-5 with a home game against the winless Carolina Panthers up next. That is too much projection, though. Fields’ mission is straightforward. He wants to return to help the team win but also to protect his job. He’s running out of time to show the Bears he can be their long-term guy. It’s hard to blame him for the sense of urgency.
