Justin Fields knows his place on the
Chicago Bears roster. He's a rookie and must handle his attitude with respect around the veterans in that locker room. This is something he has done really well since he arrived. However, he is also the quarterback and it's his job to lead these men. That means supporting them whenever possible and not being afraid to challenge them whenever it's called for.
A perfect example surfaced during Monday's practice. Matt Nagy
told the story. According to the details, tight end Jimmy Graham found himself matched up on linebacker Christian Jones in coverage. Normally in those situations, it's a no-brainer to throw it to him. However, the ball didn't come his way. Graham lodged a complaint about that after the play, making sure everybody heard it. Including Fields.
The young QB eventually gave him a reply, and it was ice cold.
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Think about that for a second. Here's a kid who is entering his first year in the NFL. A tight end with an All-Pro legacy and possible Hall of Fame hopes demands you throw him the ball. Most guys would probably just nod and make sure to acquiesce to Graham's wishes at the next opportunity. Instead, Fields looked him dead in the face and said he'll throw him the ball as long as he's open.
That takes a significant amount of guts to say something like that. It serves as a reminder that Fields isn't afraid of anything. On or off the field. He is a fantastic teammate but also seems willing to stand up to guys who might be more vocal about their opportunities than others. A necessary requirement for a quarterback. While Graham may have been upset at the time, that is the kind of thing that wins you some respect.
Justin Fields isn't entirely wrong either
While Graham remains a presence due to his size and great hands? One of the knocks on him in recent years has been his inability to get open. Not like he used to in the early 2010s. Plenty of fans and media have said it. Fields might be the first one who actually put a voice to it to his face. If that doesn't motivate the 35-year old, nothing will. They need him this season what with
Cole Kmet still being an unknown.
Andy Dalton might get the first look as the starter, but it feels like only a matter of time before Justin Fields is the one throwing to him. So Graham would do well to heed his advice and find ways to create more separation. If nothing else, this is another encouraging sign that the rookie isn't
overwhelmed by the NFL.
If somebody of Graham's stature won't intimidate him? Nobody will.
The two may get a chance to work together on Saturday. Fields is slated to start the first half of the preseason finale against the Tennessee Titans. That will include some of the offensive starters. Mostly the offensive line but perhaps Graham could see a few snaps. It will be another chance to see how much the rookie is learning.
