Justin Fields arrived at training camp for the
Chicago Bears ready to go. According to Matt Nagy, he seemed well-prepared. In the three days he's had to put in some practice time, it became apparent right away that he already improved. Specifically in regards to how he handles the language of the playbook when getting in and out of the huddle. One of the bigger challenges for a young quarterback. This was an indication he'd done his homework.
However, he may have had some help. During the month and a half following the end of mandatory minicamps in June, Fields took an opportunity to attend workouts organized by his personal quarterback coach, Quincy Avery. He wasn't the only one to attend. Fellow NFC North rival Jordan Love was there and so was Houston Texans star Deshaun Watson. In an interview with Adam Schefter of ESPN, Avery explained that Fields didn't waste that chance, reportedly
peppering the Pro Bowler with all sorts of questions.
"I was shocked by some of the knocks on him going into the draft. Like his work ethic. How much he loves football. Justin is one of the most fierce competitors that I've ever been around. He's not only a fierce competitor but he's willing to learn from the guys he's competing with.
It was cool to have him, Jordan Love, and Deshaun at a workout and just seeing Justin pick Deshaun's brain. Like 'Okay, how to do you use that? When did you use that? How did this come up?' He's a student of the game. I mean we've seen the things he does. He's big, he's strong, he can do everything with the football, and he's also somebody that guys will love in the locker room."
This is something that is so often overlooked with Fields.
People always talk about his natural physical gifts. The size, the speed, and the powerful right arm. They so easily forget how intelligent he is. His hard work isn't limited to the weight room or practice field. He's always thirsty for more knowledge. Seeking any possible advantage he can get in order to improve. Having a willingness to dig into the mind of one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL is a no-brainer.
Remember that Fields' has a well-established reputation for absorbing and retaining information. Something that was revealed in his pre-draft evaluations. So whatever Watson ended up teaching him, it's a safe bet the Bears quarterback didn't forget any of it. By the sound of things, he might already be applying those lessons at training camp.
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Justin Fields is a man on a mission
He has the look of somebody preparing for war. That is not to say he has anything personal against Andy Dalton. Far from it. All reports are the two have a cordial relationship. That said, Fields has proven multiple times he isn't somebody who enjoys sitting on the bench. He transferred out of Georgia as a sophomore when it became clear he'd have to wait another year before getting his chance. Then when the Big Ten initially canceled their season due to COVID-19 last year, he personally led the charge to get it reinstated.
He loves to play and loves to win. Being told he won't be able to do either this year until further notice had to burn him. Justin Fields was never going to cause a ruckus publicly, but this guy is a known competitor. If you tell him he can't do something, he'll clear every hurdle humanly possible to prove you wrong. Now that involves outdueling Dalton over the next month to win the starting job.
No doubt the tips from Watson will help.
He started right away as a rookie himself in 2017, having a ton of success. Obviously, he didn't have a veteran of Dalton's caliber standing in his way but the point remains the same. Fields has a strong grasp of what he must do in order to show the Bears coaching staff he is ready.
