Blocking for Justin Fields can be a chore sometimes. At least, that is what many analysts think. His tendency to hold the ball a lot forces offensive linemen to control defenders for longer can take a toll. Braxton Jones doesn't seem to hold that same perspective. While it's true that Fields' big-play-seeking behavior can be taxing at times, there is another side to that coin. He has an ability to mask when his offensive linemen screw up. If they get beat on a block or miss an assignment, nobody remembers if the quarterback pulls off an escape for a big run.
Jones explained this to Matt Lombardo of Heavy.com. He remembers one such play with vivid detail.
“Against Miami, Justin had a [61-yard] rushing touchdown. But, I was getting edged a little bit, and him getting out of the pocket and running for the touchdown, it made it look like I had actually pancaked the guy. But, actually, I was getting edged and Justin saved me and ran for the touchdown.”
It was arguably Fields' greatest highlight of the season. He stepped up into the pocket, saw a lane, pump-faked a throw at the last second, and took off. From there, he evaded three Miami defenders in the space of two seconds before springing free for a touchdown. If you watch Jones on the play, edge rusher Bradley Chubb has him beat to the edge. If Fields had stayed at the top of his drop, there is a good chance he would've been sacked.
Braxton Jones already appreciates what Fields brings.
It isn't only the physical attributes too. There were several times during the season when the quarterback made adjustments to the protection that got Jones out of some tricky situations. Little things like that go unnoticed by the untrained eyes. Linemen notice it, though. It was an area of Fields' biggest improvement last year. Unfortunately, the caliber of blockers wasn't great. Jones would probably include himself in that, having been a rookie and overmatched at times against better pass rushers.
It's a big reason why he has worked tirelessly this off-season to improve. He's worked on his core and lower body strength. Olin Kreutz has helped to polish his hand technique and footwork. He should go into the 2023 season far better prepared than last year. The Bears will get a proper look at what he can be. They hope it's a potential franchise left tackle. Braxton Jones hopes that too. He'd love nothing better than to guard the blindside of Fields for years to come.
