It wasn’t the way anybody expected it to go. Andy Dalton injured his knee in the 1st half. He tried to stay in the game but it was apparent he was in a lot of pain. Just like that, the Chicago Bears were forced to turn to Justin Fields. Not the best situation to insert the rookie into, but the team had little choice. If people go strictly off the box score? They will come away saying the 11th overall pick had a bland performance.
He finished 6-of-13 for 60 yards, an ugly interception and also ran for 31 yards on 10 carries in a little over a half. However, that wouldn’t be telling the full story at all. If one reviewed the game tape, they see multiple big throws by Fields getting dropped by his receivers. One was a deep shot to Darnell Mooney and the other was a should-have-been touchdown to Allen Robinson. Fields also would’ve had a rushing touchdown if Jimmy Graham could block.
Excuses aside, fans got a real taste for Fields late in the game.
After the Bengals scored their second touchdown of the 4th quarter, the Bears were reeling. They had the ball back with 3:39 to go. A three-and-out would’ve set Cincinnati up for a miraculous comeback after Chicago had led 20-3. It certainly looked like things were heading that direction too. A 1-yard rush and an incompletion set the Bears up with 3rd and 9. In this instance, other quarterbacks might’ve crumbled.
Fields demonstrated his remarkable calm under pressure by running for 10 yards and a huge 1st down. Runs of six yards and four yards on the next two plays by Montgomery let to another, burning any final hopes the Bengals had of stopping the clock. Fields took the knees and secured the Bears their first win of the season. It wasn’t pretty but it was enough. Especially for a rookie coming cold off the bench.
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Justin Fields should only get better with more time
His biggest mistake of the afternoon was a classic for a rookie. He missed Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson dropping into coverage and threw it to him. Outside of that, most of his incompletions were often due to him getting to his receivers a tick late. Another problem rookies have. This cannot overshadow some of the tantalizing moments too. His deep throws were beautiful.
They would’ve been better if his receivers could actually catch them. Something rather surprising given how surehanded Robinson and Mooney usually are. Justin Fields made mostly good, sound reads and never seemed overwhelmed. Those are traits to build on moving forward. The question is will he continue starting.
That depends on the health of Dalton.
The veteran’s knee situation is unknown. Details will likely surface in the coming days. If it’s a significant sprain or even a tear? Then it’s a safe bet Fields will continue to start in Cleveland against a good Browns team. No doubt Ohio fans will love that given the rabid following he built there as an Ohio State star. How fitting if his first start ends up being there.
