Chicago Bears fans are anxious for Saturday to arrive. This will mark the first time they get to see Justin Fields in live game action since he was drafted. They’ve been hearing a constant stream of good things about him from training camp. The wait has grown agonizing. Action is desired. While this is a great thing, it must come with a clear warning. Whatever happens once his day is done? Do not read too much into it. A mistake many fans fell for back in 2017 with Mitch Trubisky.
Given all that has happened in the past four years, most people probably don’t remember his preseason debut. On a warm night at Soldier Field, the #2 overall pick put on a bit of a show against the Denver Broncos. He went 18-of-25 for 166 yards and a touchdown pass. He also ran three times for 38 yards. Chicago scored 13 of its 17 points with him on the field.
It was an impressive showing.
In the end, it wasn’t a sign of things to come. Trubisky had a forgettable rookie season and went on to have an up-and-down career with the Bears. This is why it’s important not to get carried away with Fields. If he performs well? Great. Look at it as a good experience for him, building momentum towards his eventual ascent to the starting job. If he struggles? Oh well. It’ll be a good learning experience, both for him and the coaches.
Fields can’t treat this like some sort of test of his ultimate fate. It is an exhibition game. A chance to gain more experience in front of a live crowd. Nothing more.
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Mitch Trubisky showed signs of his issues even in that game
Among them was his tendency to get passes batted down, an unwillingness to strike deep, and an inability to finish late drives for touchdowns. They were trivial things at the time. Looking back though? It’s much more educational with hindsight. Maybe the Bears will get a taste of who Fields will be in the coming years as well. One thing is for sure. Chicago has to make sure they protect him at all costs.
The worst thing that can happen in all of this is Fields getting hurt. Given the offensive line issues the Bears are having, it is a calculated risk that head coach Matt Nagy plans to play him extensive snaps against Miami. This was a disaster his predecessor John Fox nearly created with Mitch Trubisky four years ago as he let the rookie take several dangerous hits against the Cleveland Browns. Hopefully, Nagy won’t be as reckless.
The good news is Fields has ways to protect himself.
Namely his outstanding mobility. That was something the Dolphins had a hard time dealing with in joint practices. One can expect to see it a few times during the game. Maybe fans will get a glimpse of that strong right arm as well. No doubt Fields is ready to play. He’s been waiting for this going back months. Time to show everybody what he can do.
