Three of the five first-round quarterbacks chosen in last April’s NFL Draft are starting in Week 1 of their respective rookie seasons. That leaves two players not getting the starting nod. However, both QBs could find their way into the action.
And that reportedly includes Bears rookie QB Justin Fields:
From @NFLGameDay: Could we see packages of plays for both #49ers QB Trey Lance and #Bears QB Justin Fields today? Well… pic.twitter.com/mzi4h0Fjuq
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 12, 2021
The section:
“Based on what Justin Fields did in the preseason, based on his regimen, I am also told there is a small package of plays at Fields’ disposal,” reports NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport. “If Andy Dalton does great, you may not see it. If he struggles a little bit, do not be surprised if the Bears unveil a little bit of Justin Fields tonight.”
Ooh wee! Getting a Fields package in Week 1 would be some kind of treat for Bears fans clamoring for the rookie to get on the field. But Head Coach Matt Nagy opening the playbook for this possibility could be more than a Week 1 cookie. Deploying Fields in potential short-yardage or red-zone scenarios that could expand the play-book to best make use of his mobility and arm talents would be a unique twist on an offensive game-plan. And based on Nagy’s history unveiling gadgetry in the red zone — remember Santa’s Sleigh, Freezer Left, and Oompa Loompa? — it wouldn’t surprise me to see Fields get snaps when the Bears get deep into scoring territory.
As if you needed another reason to watch tonight’s game…