One thing about Justin Fields that has become apparent in his time with the Chicago Bears is his love for the big stage. Every time the team seems to play in a primetime game, the quarterback brings his best. Think about last season. He was outstanding on Monday night against the New England Patriots. One of his best performances came in Dallas against the Cowboys. The kid seems to relish playing in high-profile matchups. That seems to go for practice as well. Fans found that out on Sunday, August 6th.
This was the day of the Bears’ annual Family Fest. It is when the team holds a training camp practice at Soldier Field where thousands are allowed to attend. All eyes were on the offense. People still remember the Wednesday practice a few days ago when the defense ate their lunch. After a somewhat even Saturday, it was time to see if Fields and the offense could fire back. By all accounts, that is exactly what happened. Fields had arguably the sharpest training camp practice, delivering several great throws resulting in chunk plays.
There were also signs of progress in his timing and rhythm, getting the ball out before receivers even made their breaks.
Justin Fields wasn’t perfect, though.
Despite considerable success in several drills, there were too many instances of the quarterback not putting the ball in the right spots. He overthrew guys on some plays and underthrew them on others. This is an issue that dogged him at times last year. Finetuning his accuracy remains a necessary focus as the season draws closer. The good news is he’s doing a great job of avoiding bad turnovers. Yes, he’s thrown interceptions, but few have come from outright terrible decisions. Most come from passes being a little bit off-target.
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All things considered, it sounds like Family Fest was a success for Justin Fields. He demonstrated a growing connection with his wide receivers and tight ends. His ability to read and manipulate the defense was on display again. The improvisation with his legs remained a legitimate threat. It wasn’t a flawless practice, but it was productive. Fields looked more ready than ever for actual games to start. Chicago kicks off the preseason against the Tennessee Titans this coming week. Expect Fields to get one or two series of work.
Have to keep in mind that Justin isn’t running any in these practices as well. The Defense knows this too. An opponent will have that to worry about therfore opening up other things that aren’t occurring in practice.
If you are quoting Braggs then you should have quoted it as being a very up and down day for Fields. It wasn’t his best. I still think he makes a massive leap this year however.
I like it when the offense and defense keep going back and forth between who wins and who loses the day.
It tells me both sides are competing and are responding the next day or even within the same practice.
When one side wins the entire training camp that’s not good.
They have to continue challenging each other. No one ever learns if problems are not identified and worked on. And you don’t get better by practicing against bad opponents.