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Stat Line: 14-20, 142 yards, 1 Pass TD, 1 Rush TD, 106.7 QBR
Debut Grade: A-
Football Scout 365 2021 NFL Draft Ranking: 3rd overall, #2 overall QB
Slow Start, Fast Finish
Justin Fields debut started less than ideal; he fumbled the football a few times, he threw a few passes into harm's way, but then something finally clicked for Fields. After an ominous start, Fields caught fire finishing his Bears preseason debut, completing 14-20 passes for 142 yards, 1 TD pass, and a TD run. Fields had success when the Bears started moving the pocket by design, and as the game went on, Fields began to use his legs to extend plays making a few nice plays on the move with his arm and four scrambles picking up 33 yards rushing and a TD.
Resiliency Proves To Be A Justin Fields Strength
Fields showed great poise and resiliency after a slow start to the game. He proved he has the chops to compete in the NFL; he certainly proved he is 100% the athlete we knew him to be coming into the league. If the Bears continue to build on his strengths by incorporating more zone-read, RPO, and designed rollouts, Fields can excel as a rookie.
Fields Proved He Can Be Chicago's QB1 as Rookie
It is important to note, Fields as of today is the best option for the Bears at QB, so the decision for Matt Nagy to continue to say Andy Dalton is the starter might not last for long unless he does not want to be an NFL coach for much longer. Justin Fields will hit the field again on August 21st vs. the Bills, giving Matt Nagy another opportunity to change his tune as Fields can provide more data points.