Justin Fields’ Favorite Target Of Camp Isn’t Who Anybody Expected

Everybody wants to believe Justin Fields can finally take the next step as a passer this season. It’s why GM Ryan Poles invested so much in upgrading the offense around him with new weapons and protection. This is Year 3 for the young quarterback. He no longer has the excuse of being in a brand-new system under an unfamiliar coaching staff. The talent around him is better. It’s unreasonable to expect ridiculous numbers, but Fields should at least be able to crack 3,000 yards passing. If he can’t do that after everything the Bears have done, it will be time to discuss his future.

Fields has spent every available moment working to build chemistry with his wide receivers. The early results are promising. Everybody talks about the impact D.J. Moore has already had. Trading for him already looks like a gigantic win for the Bears. Even coaches are stunned at how fast he and Fields have developed a connection. However, Moore hasn’t been the favorite target of the quarterback through the first padded practices of training camp. That honor surprisingly goes to Chase Claypool.

The receiver everybody wrote off as a lost cause after his struggles last year has done some great work lately. Nobody is happier about it than Fields.

“Chase has been doing his thing lately. I’m proud of him. He’s one of those guys on offense that he’s going to bring that energy pretty much every day.”

Justin Fields understands the value Claypool brings.

While Moore and Darnell Mooney are terrific targets, the strengths of their game are based on speed, quickness, and route-running. Claypool offers a different dimension. Few receivers are 6’4, 220 lbs, and can run with 4.4 speed. Nearly every cornerback he lines up against will be at a size disadvantage. Quarterbacks often learn to utilize this. That is why it isn’t a surprise Fields is looking his way more often. The guy is a danger on third down and in the red zone. It also sounds like he’s bringing much-needed energy to the huddle.

There is no question Claypool has plenty of motivation to play well this year. Lots of people have written him off after his ugly exit from Pittsburgh and quiet debut in Chicago. He’s also playing in a contract year, meaning his financial future is at stake. If ever there was a time for him to realize his potential, this is it. Justin Fields seems more than willing to help him get there. The two need each other. They have a lot at stake this season. It seems fitting they’d gravitate to one another as camp rolls on.