Justin Fields Dominated The Dolphins In Second Joint Practice

Justin Fields had a solid enough showing in the first joint practice between the Chicago Bears and Miami Dolphins. While he did have some interceptions and other iffy decisions, he also delivered some solid throws and looked sharp during certain sessions. It was going to be interesting to see how the rookie handled the second practice on Thursday. Would it be more of the same? Perhaps the Dolphins would play him better after seeing him the first time? Nope. Quite the opposite actually. By multiple accounts, the 11th overall pick was almost unstoppable during multiple periods of practice. Everything was on display from his scrambling prowess to his improvisational skill, to his understated accuracy. Miami had no answers for him, especially during the red zone periods where he burned them for touchdowns both through the air and on the ground.

Most would agree this was his best practice yet in a Bears uniform.

This speaks to what many have said about Fields since he arrived in Chicago. He is a quick learner. Once you show him something, he tends to remember it to perfection. So one can guess the Dolphins' defense threw a lot at him in the first practice from a schematic standpoint. It worked well at times. However, after having 24 hours to digest it? The quarterback wasn't going to be fooled a second time. That is exactly what head coach Matt Nagy wants to see. Progression. Learning from mistakes and making sure they don't happen a second time. Everything points to Justin Fields having loads of momentum going into the preseason opener on Saturday. He's produced some of his best practices to date within days of each other. It is clear the next step is actual live game snaps. Nagy plans to get him as many as possible, stating the rookie could go from late in the 1st quarter all the way to the start of the 4th. It should be fun.

Justin Fields has passed the first test

Or at least he has in the minds of the fans and media. He looks great in practice. That alone is good enough in their eyes to consider starting him right away. Nagy though won't be so easily swayed. The next step is getting Fields some game action. Can he take what he's done in practice and apply it to the real action. This is often the most difficult step for most young quarterbacks. Justin Fields is still a rookie. That comes with caution about whether it's a wise decision to play him. As talented as he is, mistakes will become inevitable. This is why the Bears feel more comfortable with Dalton. While he isn't as talented, his experience makes him the steadier choice right now. It's up to Fields to change their minds.

Playing well on national TV at Soldier Field will help.

The question is will he have enough help? One big issue that won't go away is the depleted state of the Bears' offensive line. Injuries continue to ravage the unit as multiple starters and primary backups remain out. The biggest fear for most is whether Fields will get the protection he needs to function.