Rookie QB Chronicles #5
The most complicated and most controversial rookie of the 2021 draft class is Justin Fields. It is almost impossible to argue against the reality that he is a dynamic talent. Like I have stated multiple times with the other drafted quarterbacks in 2021, it comes down to instincts and reading defenses that will determine the outcome of his career. Justin, not unlike Trey Lance, can use his athletic ability to win games on his feet. He is 6’3” and has a strong arm. He has received some well-deserved praise and fair criticism, as well as some inflated hype, and ridiculously unfair attacks on his work ethic.
Let’s begin with his well-deserved praise. Justin Fields has had countless plays he has extended with his movement in the pocket. This has enabled his receivers to break free of coverage and open up opportunities for him to make beautiful passes for long gains. These types of plays can translate to the success we see in NFL offenses like Kansas City. That is important because it may be a reason some of the criticisms of Justin Fields may not be as damaging as people think.
Analysts will point out that Justin Fields has a tendency to be inaccurate at times, and at other times show hesitancy in making quick decisions. This has led to some negative plays. But as mentioned previously, Justin opens up opportunities to make big plays. The ability to make those higher yardage plays helps alleviate the negative ones. Kansas City has won a lot of games by striking hard with big plays, reducing the urgency for long drives where all the plays are productive. The real question is whether or not Justin Fields will be able to utilize his ability to extend plays at the next level.
Justin Fields has also been gifted the hype of a very excited fan base while doing very little to justify it. I found so many claims of how outstanding he has been in OTAs, and when you watch the tape, it is of Justin passing the ball to uncovered or wide open receivers. There is nothing wrong with the passes, and while the fact the receivers are all alone has no bearing on the predictability of Justin’s future, it certainly is far from proving he will make a successful transition to the NFL. There also seem to be some embellished takes on Justin’s tape from his time at The Ohio State University claiming outstanding accuracy, particularly when having to look for an open receiver if his 1st target isn’t open. I rarely see him looking beyond the first receiver. The claims of this accuracy are not supported with any solid evidence that I can find. The few exceptions are the instances where he is scrambling out of the pocket and a receiver breaks open. This is definitely an example of the benefits of Justin’s athleticism, but not exactly an example of dropping back and looking from one receiver to another while in the pocket.
But maybe Justin Fields has a right for this extra love the Chicago fans have thrown his way. The kid had to endure extremely unfair and unfounded criticism for two months leading up to the draft. The accusations that he was the “last guy in, first guy out” of the locker room was a complete fabrication by the media looking for a good story. Those claims were never validated by anyone associated with Justin Fields. His coaches and teammates made it very clear that the opposite is true, and that Justin Fields is a hard worker. I feel his work ethic has been represented by his high level of play on the field since he was in high school.
Aside from the high praise of his new fanbase, Justin is also finding support from his new teammates. One in particular is the currently named starting quarterback Andy Dalton. Justin has been very vocal about the support Andy has been providing in his transition to the NFL. There is always some concern about a verteran quarterback looking over his shoulder and not taking much interest in the young quarterback brought in to eventually be the leader of the franchise. But Andy Dalton has embraced the role as mentor, showing what he is made of, which can only benefit Justin Fields and the Chicago Bears organization. Will that be the key to his future success? Could be, but I still have my doubts.
My biggest concern with Justin is his tendency to break down when things are not going well. He had some concerning games and moments during the 2020 season. His play in big games against Indiana and Northwestern raised questions about his consistency and ability to handle pressure. Was his erratic play something to be concerned about? I know it put me, as a Jets fan, strongly in the Zach Wilson camp. But his game against Clemson was impressive. Whenever people start to doubt him, the kid comes back with a chip on his shoulder and shuts us all up.
Predicting his future, I would not be surprised if Justin Fields was a complete bust. I would also not be surprised if Justin Fields develops into an elite franchise quarterback. The talent is definitely there; soon we find out if the necessary instincts are as well. The word out of Chicago is he will start the season on the bench under the tutelage of Andy Dalton. But if the Bears start the season weakly, a coach not far from being on the hot seat, might pull the trigger and bring in Justin sooner than we think.
As one would expect, the Chicago fans are standing behind this young man; For now at least. The Bears traded a large haul of draft picks to move up and acquire the NY Giants 11th overall pick in the 2021 draft. The expectation is for Justin to be their franchise quarterback, anything less will be a tremendous disappointment for a passionate fanbase.
The Sactown NFL Report (Jeremy Krevat)