Fields on his competitive drive, offensive line health |
CHICAGO - While he did not play in the game against the Indianapolis Colts, head coach Matt Eberflus did put Justin Fields in for a short time Saturday in the game against the Buffalo Bills. His stats overall were not that great this time, completing two passes for 51 yards. One of those completions, however, was a 40-yard pass to receiver DJ Moore.
The connection between Moore and Fields has been working quite well in the preseason, with the highlight coming from the first game against the Tennessee Titans when Moore had a 62-yard catch for a touchdown from Fields. This chemistry provides some hope that the Bears might just have a 1,000-yard receiver for the first time since 2021 when Darnell Mooney accomplished this feat. Some may say this is over-hyped because it is the preseason, and the preseason does not count. However, that is not the approach Fields takes to preseason football. “I think every time you step on the field, you want to perform your best,” Fields stated. “Every time you step on the field, you want to perform your best and try to be the best you can be. So, you know, so that’s really what I try to do is just every time I step on the field, you know, you treat it like it is a real game. It’s not just a preseason game.” There is also some concern again, about the offensive line. Last year, a lack of talent on the offensive line was the concern. Now, with the addition of Nate Davis in the offseason and Darnell Wright through the draft, the concern is more regarding injuries. Offensive linemen Teven Jenkins and Cody Whitehair have both been injured during camp, resulting in several backups protecting Fields during the game against the Bills. “I think it was good work for the backup guys to get in there and get a little more playing time today,” Fields explained. “But praying for those guys to be back on the field soon, but they can’t perform their best if they’re not at their best.” There is no doubt that Fields is the starting quarterback, but backup is another story. Throughout camp, veteran PJ Walker and rookie Tyson Bagent were in a quarterback battle for the No. 2 quarterback spot on the roster. While Walker was thought to have secured that position, the preseason has really changed everything. Bagent has stood out in his performance and has also stood out to Fields. “Tyson’s been great. From Day One, he’s (come) in and worked hard, humble guy, just hard worker and, you know, he’s a sponge,” Fields said. “He asks a lot of questions. He’s very curious about the game, about the offense, so, you know, he’s been a great addition to the room, and, you know, I’m just excited to see what he does in the future.” With how Fields was as a rusher last year, there has been some talk in the offseason about his potential to win the MVP this season. That is not something this third-year player is concerned with because it does not benefit the team. His goals, however, show the kind of leader that he is. “Make the playoffs, make the playoffs is one, have a chance to (make a) run for the Super Bowl,” Fields explained. “Number two would be, really, just to be the best leader I can be for my team and really elevate all of the guys around me to really just influence and encourage them to take a step that they’ve never seen themselves taken to … Three would just be to win, win and have fun. You know, enjoy this year.” The Bears playoff run starts with beating the Green Bay Packers in their opener at Soldier Field on Sunday, September 10 (3:25 p.m./FOX). Getting a division win, especially against the Packers, would certainly be a confidence booster to help the Bears reach Fields’ playoff goal.
