John DeFilippo has developed some good quarterbacks in his time as a coach. Derek Carr and Carson Wentz are among them. Yet there is no doubt he seems to have a certain excitement for Justin Fields. His reactions to the Chicago Bears’ 1st round pick are well-documented. He sees somebody with limitless physical potential but also an intelligent young man with natural leadership traits. Somebody with a presence about him.
That was never clearer than during the game in Pittsburgh last Monday night. Facing a 20-6 deficit in the second half, the rookie decided to take the game into his own hands. With help from a timely special teams score, he engineered two touchdowns including one with under two minutes to play. It put the Bears up 27-26. A drive where Fields accounted for every single yard both running and passing. It was what veterans might call a “big boy” moment.
Yet the best part might be what happened before it even happened.
As Pittsburgh kicked the field goal to make it 26-20, head coach Matt Nagy revealed that he checked on his young quarterback on the sideline. He wanted to see where the kid’s head was at. Fields apparently had a smile on his face, excited to know he had a chance to win the game with a touchdown in the final minutes. DeFilippo added even more exciting details to that story. It turns out the QB wasn’t the only one confident it was going to happen. So were his teammates.
Bears quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo on the presence of Justin Fields leading the go-ahead drive in Pittsburgh: "There wasn’t a doubt in anyone’s mind we were going to go down and find a way to win. … You feel that energy out of him for sure."
— Chris Emma (@CEmma670) November 15, 2021
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This is the latest evidence that Fields’ impact isn’t limited to just his individual performance. He’s having a legitimate influence on others in that locker room. Something that is incredibly hard to do for a rookie. Guys are buying in, and the results are starting to show. Unfortunately, their big moment was wasted when the defense allowed Pittsburgh to escape with a field goal for a win, but it should not diminish the accomplishment.
John DeFilippo deserves credit for his work
Like it or not, Fields has made considerable strides the past few weeks. DeFilippo is the QBs coach and passing game coordinator. While he has limited say over the scheme and play calling, his command over Fields’ direction is clear. Considering where the rookie was during that rough stretch between the Cleveland and Tampa Bay games? His improvement is nothing short of astounding. A reminder of how mentally tough the kid is.
This also looks to be another feather in the cap for John DeFilippo himself. People can question his prowess as an offensive coordinator, yet it’s become undeniable the man has a knack for guiding the development of a young quarterback. It is a shame he hasn’t been able to stay with one long-term. With the uncertain status of Matt Nagy beyond 2021, that track record threatens to hold true again.
These next eight games will determine a lot.
If Fields continues to ascend as he has? Then it could turn around the Bears’ fortunes in the nick of time. Many believe the rookie playing well is the last, best chance for Nagy and his staff to survive. Unless the team just keeps losing. This next four-game stretch, three of them against likely playoff participants, will be their season.
