The Chicago Bears returned to the practice field on Saturday for their ninth workout of the summer, and there was plenty to digest from the padded session.
Justin Fields is entering a pivotal third season, where the expectation is he’ll have a breakout season following some big offseason additions, including wide receiver DJ Moore. After emerging as an elite rusher last season, Fields needs to make strides as a passer. Luckily, Fields has consistency for the first time in his NFL career as he’ll play his second year in Luke Getsy’s offense.
We’re taking a look at the good, the bad and the noteworthy with Fields from the ninth practice of Bears training camp:
The Good
Fields had an impressive practice on Saturday, where he was committed no turnovers for first day since the second practice of training camp.
Fields was especially productive during the 7-on-7 period, where he went 9-of-10. Fields’ lone incompletion came on a deep ball to rookie receiver Tyler Scott, where the pass was broken up by rookie cornerback Tyrique Stevenson.
Multiple media members noted that Fields got the ball out quick during the 7-on-7 period.
In 7v7's, Justin Fields was sharp today (as a QB should be in that drill.) Just one incompletion. But did get the ball out quick. #Bears
— Zack Pearson (@Zack_Pearson) August 5, 2023
During the “win the game” drill with 1:15 left on the clock, Fields led the offense from their own 30-yard line to the opposite 30-yard line, which included a throw to Velus Jones Jr. While the offense wasn’t able to score a touchdown, they did get a field goal out of it.
The Bad
Fields had an efficient practice where there weren’t many mistakes reported from those in attendance. For the first time since the second day of practice, Fields had a clean day without a turnover.
But if we’re nitpicking here — and we must considering there wasn’t anything bad to report — Fields had one incompletion during the 7-on-7 period. Also, Fields did throw “a wobbly deep ball” intended for receiver Darnell Mooney that was broken up by safety Eddie Jackson.
#Bears Practice highlight: Eddie Jackson breaks up a wobbly deep ball from from Justin Fields intended for Darnell Mooney. Sight seen: rookie running back Roschon Johnson Johnson in full pads. Been a rough start for him mostly due to injury.
— Mark Grote (@markgrotesports) August 5, 2023
Despite the nitpicking, it was overall a very solid day for QB1.
The Noteworthy
All eyes are on Fields and how he’s progressing in the passing game, but an underrated aspect of his game is how he’s evolving as a leader. There have been a few examples during training camp, including Fields rallying his offensive teammates after they came out flat during Wednesday’s heated practice.
Fields had another impressive display of leadership during Saturday’s practice, where he attempted to cool things down after receiver Chase Claypool and safety Eddie Jackson got into a scuffle.
After another dustup, Justin Fields, Eddie Jackson, Darnell Mooney and Jaylon Johnson had a very brief conversation. You like to see the team leaders talking it out.
A couple heated moments and they’ve only just started with the competitive portion of practice.
— Sean Hammond (@sean_hammond) August 5, 2023
Defense is really fired up after the 2nd team offense ends with an incompletion in 11 on 11. Another scuffle ends with Justin Fields going up to a couple defenders after the skirmish gets broken up to cool things off.
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) August 5, 2023
Fields isn’t a rah-rah guy, but tight end Robert Tonyan said he doesn’t necessarily have to always be that guy to be a leader.
“He doesn’t always have to be the juice guy,” Tonyan said. “That’s not a quarterbacks job. You have to have guys in the room that hold themselves accountable. You can’t put every single thing on this kid’s shoulders.”
Fields has proven himself to be a lead-by-example kind of guy, and that’s something that continues to be on display.
What People Are Saying
My notes on Justin Fields’ day at Bears camp today:
– 9-for-10 in 7 vs 7s. Ball out quick. His one miss was a deep shot to Tyler Scott (vs Tyrique Stevenson)
– Got 3 points in a 1:15 left, tied-game situational drill. Went from 30 to 30. Best throw went to Velus Jones Jr.
— Adam Jahns (@adamjahns) August 5, 2023
In 7v7's, Justin Fields was sharp today (as a QB should be in that drill.) Just one incompletion. But did get the ball out quick. #Bears
— Zack Pearson (@Zack_Pearson) August 5, 2023
After another dustup, Justin Fields, Eddie Jackson, Darnell Mooney and Jaylon Johnson had a very brief conversation. You like to see the team leaders talking it out.
A couple heated moments and they’ve only just started with the competitive portion of practice.
— Sean Hammond (@sean_hammond) August 5, 2023
Roschon Johnson had a nice run. Drew cheers from the crowd. First one to come out and give him a high five from sideline was Justin Fields. #Bears
— Zack Pearson (@Zack_Pearson) August 5, 2023
Defense is really fired up after the 2nd team offense ends with an incompletion in 11 on 11. Another scuffle ends with Justin Fields going up to a couple defenders after the skirmish gets broken up to cool things off.
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) August 5, 2023
#Bears practice over. Fairly light again. Justin Fields did well in 2-minute drill at the end … but against 3rd-string defense.
Jaquan Brisker, Nate Davis and DeMarcus Walker were among those who didn't practice.— Patrick Finley (@patrickfinley) August 5, 2023
Too further you point, Robert Tonyan went out of his way to express that to Justin Fields on Saturday. https://t.co/i4zswSHxGc
— Mark Grote (@markgrotesports) August 5, 2023
Justin Fields has consistently hit the check downs at camp so far. Good signs.
The question is, when do more deep balls start to connect? Typically, with the kind of talent they have, you'd have seen a few more by now.
Not a concern, just wondering when that opens up. https://t.co/jIk9FCi5hF
— Greg Braggs Jr. (@GBraggsJr23) August 5, 2023
#Bears Robert Tonyan on Justin Fields being questioned on vocal leadership: “He doesn’t always have to be the juice guy. That’s not a quarterbacks job. You have to have guys in the room that hold themselves accountable. You can’t put every single thing on this kid’s shoulders..,
— Mark Grote (@markgrotesports) August 5, 2023
