NEWSLETTER
Even though Justin Fields is getting the starting nod for Saturday’s preseason finale against the Titans, he won’t get to throw to the likes of Allen Robinson II, Darnell Mooney, or Jimmy Graham. That’s because most of the offense’s starters are getting the week off to gear up for the Bears’ Week 1 game against the Rams.
But there are five starters who will play alongside Fields in his first professional (preseason) start. And I could make an argument it’s the five most important starters.
Chicago will trot out its starting offensive line to open Saturday’s game in Nashville. This isn’t inconsequential. Protecting Fields is the obvious top priority when opting to line up with the big boys. Seeing Jason Peters, Cody Whitehair, Sam Mustipher, James Daniels, and Germain Ifedi line up left to right will be a welcome sight. When they hit the field on Saturday, it will be the first time a Bears QB will be dealing behind a healthy line. This is good news on several levels.
Firstly, giving Fields the opportunity to build a rapport with his center (Mustipher) should provide a learning experience for both. Let’s not underestimate experiencing the center-snap exchange with the starter on both ends. Secondly, getting a feel for what kind of pocket his guards (Daniels, Whitehair) can create has value. Remember, Daniels began last year on the left side, while Whitehair leaves center to man the left guard spot. So this will be a new experience for that guard tandem. Finally, testing the tackles (Peters, Ifedi) has as much importance for Fields as it does this coaching staff. Don’t underestimate what it could mean to get extensive tape on the tackles. It’s not as if Chicago has had two healthy starting-caliber tackles available all summer. Ultimately, learning your teammates’ intricacies and tendencies now is something that could have value long term. Everything else is gravy.
However, I can’t escape the short-term importance of this decision — which can be best described by what PFF’s Anthony Treash has unearthed after two preseason bouts.
“Through two weeks of the preseason, Fields has been pressured at a higher rate than any other quarterback (49%),” Treash writes. “And the blame isn’t squarely on the rookie’s shoulders, as his offensive line has done little to protect him so far. … (Lachavious) Simmons, (Elijah) Wilkinson and (Larry) Borom played this past weekend when Fields was moved off his spot by the opposing pass rush on 16 of his 25 dropbacks. The three linemen were responsible for 20 total pass-block losses and a couple of sacks allowed.”
Don’t get me wrong. I like Simmons and Borom as developmental projects. And I appreciate what Wilkinson could bring as a swing lineman who can spot up anywhere in a pinch. But you simply can’t pass up an opportunity to max out on protecting your franchise’s most valuable asset. Fields is too important to have him spend too much time behind a line that isn’t up to snuff.
Let’s not kid ourselves. Providing Fields ample protection with the first-team offensive line is the right thing to do (keeping QB1-of-the-future upright and healthy is the priority). Any other reasons fall under that one. And while there could be others, they’re lower on the pecking order. Whatever stats he provides in an exhibition game is extra frosting on a cake. It’s all about protecting Fields. And I guess showing Andy Dalton that he’ll be getting protection when Aaron Donald comes calling in 18 days helps.
