Justin Fields' Preseason Numbers Vs. Pressure Are Truly Something

The common trend with any quarterback is they tend to play worse when they're under pressure. Those that don't? They're usually the good ones in the NFL. Just look at Mitch Trubisky. Despite his supposed success this preseason, he was just 5-of-9 for 50 yards when under pressure. In other words, he became far less effective when he didn't have a clean pocket. One can safely say it was the same for Justin Fields, right? Well, not exactly. Think about this. The Chicago Bears rookie took 62 dropbacks in the preseason this month. He was pressured on 29 of them. Good for 46.8%. That is far and away the most of any 1st round QB. The next closest was Trevor Lawrence at 38.9%. The #1 overall pick was 4-of-10 for 49 yards in those situations. Keep that in mind when seeing what Fields did despite being pressured almost 10% more often.

13-of-18 for 133 yards and a touchdown

One of those five incompletions was also counted as a drop. So it would've been even better. That is ridiculous. It would be one thing to see such numbers from Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, or Patrick Mahomes. To see a rookie doing that in his first live games in the NFL? That is not normal. Don't let anybody tell you differently. Fields maintained remarkable calm and poise in the face of pressure. [video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="https://www.sportsmockery.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Every-Play-from-Justin-Fields-vs.-Titans-Preseason-Week-3-2021-NFL-Game-Highlights2021_08_29_08_44_23.mp4"][/video] This is another reason why fans and many experts believe head coach Matt Nagy is doing his team a disservice by moving forward with starting Andy Dalton. While the veteran is smart, experienced, and serviceable, he just can't do the things Fields can. The talent gulf is wider than the Grand Canyon. With the rookie already displaying an ability to stay calm in the pocket as well? It is difficult to understand the necessity of putting this off.

Justin Fields will be ready whenever the time comes

He's proven throughout the preseason that he is learning fast. The talent was never in question. It was a matter of how comfortable he looked in the structure of the offense. Saturday in Nashville was easily his best performance from that perspective. Fields will only get better as he gains more comfort in the system. If the Bears are smart and invest in his supporting cast moving forward, then things should get exciting in the near future. Whether Nagy and GM Ryan Pace will be there to see it is another story. Both survived being fired this offseason. Can they do so again if the Bears underachieve in 2021? Especially if the offense struggles after Nagy decided to resume play calling. This schedule could make or break them. Yet another reason why Justin Fields playing right away and doing well seems like the better idea.

Nagy though is steadfast.

He is not going to rush the rookie onto the field just to save his own skin. He is trying to do what is best for both the player and the organization. This can't be about 2021. It must be about the next 10-15 years. A commendable perspective that is hard to argue with. Here is hoping everything works out.