Justin Fields Speaks: Unbothered by Practice INTs, Making Magic With Mooney, Getsy is Cool, More

It’s been a newsy first day of mandatory full-squad minicamp at Halas Hall.

Stud defensive end Robert Quinn isn’t around for the action, choosing to skip out on festivities to train on his own. On the other side of the trenches, offensive lineman Dakota Dozier left practice early due to an injury. But Justin Fields was available, which is always a treat. Fields spoke with the assembled press at Halas Hall on Tuesday. We’ve pulled some highlights, adding commentary for depth and context. Please enjoy.

Fields-Mooney Bromance Grows

Find someone who speaks about you the same way Fields speaks about his No. 1 target, wide receiver Darnell Mooney:

He honestly makes me want to do more. Just seeing how much he works, how hard he works, it’s kind of contagious. Getting more guys around us, letting them see how hard we work, them seeing that will make them want to work. It’s definitely been good.

If only all of our relationships worked as well as theirs.

Seriously, who couldn’t use someone pumping them up, working hard, and inspiring you to be better? We could all use that type of influence in our life. Fields even discussed how he and Mooney were even challenging each other to see who was working harder and later in the facility … ON AN OFF DAY. Respect that!

Self Evaluation is Key

One of the most important thing a quarterback can be is self-aware. Especially a quarterback early in his pro development cycle. To be clear, you don’t want QB1 to be in their own head. But you’d like for them to be cognizant of what they’re doing, where they can improve, and how they can go about it. So, when Fields was asked to assess his performance during the first mandatory full-squad minicamp of the summer, I found his reply to be satisfactory.

I think it went all right. They’re throwing a lot at us. They’re pretty much throwing the whole playbook at us, which is good. Of course there’s going to be mistakes, but we’d rather the mistakes come right now than later in the fall. They’re putting a lot on us, which is good so we’re learning from everything … learning from our mistakes. It could’ve went better, but that’s what tomorrow’s for.

I’m doing my best to not freak out about summertime practice interceptions. There is no reason to feel strongly one way or another about when they happen. Because — guess what? — they’re going to happen. Interceptions are inevitable. In other words, I’m as happy that Jaylon Johnson got one on Fields as I am about Fields understanding that practice interceptions aren’t the ones that will hurt the most.

Also? I’m digging that they’re putting a lot on Fields’ plate right now. In a season where the most important takeaway might be in figuring out what this team has and who it can build with, there is nothing wrong with a little trial by fire in June.

Don’t Rush the Offensive Line

One of the longest-running concerns about the Bears offense is along the offensive line. Who is playing where? And when will we know? What bodies are responsible for protecting Justin Fields? Which linemen will be clearing running lanes for David Montgomery, Khalil Herbert, and others? So. Many. Questions. Naturally, we all want answers. After watching the Bears’ offensive line play inconsistently last year, we’re all hoping for some good answers. Speaking of which, Fields delivered a good one when asked how soon he’d like to see that group settled.

I’m not in a rush. I think we have a lot of time. At the end of the day, it’s whoever does the job the best is going to be the best fit for us. So I’m not really in a rush to see who’s playing what position on the O-line. I think, right now, it’s about us developing, learning the system, and getting better every day.

Spoken like a true vet.

Extra Points

  • Justin Fields on new offensive coordinator/play-caller Luke Getsy: “He’s cool as the other side of the pillow.” (Chris Emma, 670 The Score)
  • In yet another example of the importance of self-awareness, Fields knows these Bears are far from a finished product: “I’m the type of guy that would like to know I’m prepared. So, right now, I’m just being honest, we’re not ready to play a game right now. And when that time comes, we will be ready. Right now, no, not ready to play a game.” (Kevin Fishbain, The Athletic)
  • It sure sounds like Fields is trying to iron out some things in his game, but he isn’t alone:
  • Fields and the Bears offense still have work to do. Thankfully, they still have two more minicamp practices, training camp, and three preseason games to smooth things out before the NFL’s regular season kicks off.
  • Shot and chaser:
  • For more from Fields, check out the video below:

    written by

    Luis C. Medina, who you can find on Twitter at lcm1986, has been covering the Chicago Bears at Bleacher Nation since 2017. Since then, he has written about 3 head coaches, 5 play-callers, and 11 starting quarterbacks. Previously, Luis wrote about the Cubs and MLB at BN (2015-16) and worked in the Chicago Tribune sports department (2011-16). He also co-hosted a Cubs postgame show, Outside the Ivy, in 2019.

    more bears news

    Chicago Bears 2024 NFL Draft Fits: Defensive Linemen

    The 2024 NFL Draft begins Thursday. Chicago Bears General Manager Ryan Poles, Assistant GM Ian Cunningham, Head Coach Matt Eberflus, and others will put their heads together to come up with a winning plan for the team’s four picks (Nos....

    And Now Penei Sewell Has Signed a MASSIVE Extension With The Lions

    Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes is hard at work today! It's fitting that just a day before the 2024 NFL Draft kicks off in Detroit, the Lions have locked up two franchise, homegrown cornerstones just hours apart. This morning,...

    Take a Look at the New Chicago Bears Stadium Renderings

    The Chicago Bears unveiled plans for their downtown lakefront stadium proposal on Wednesday. And as you might expect, it is very kind on the eyes: https://twitter.com/ChicagoBears/status/1783185834490888461 The Bears even gave the project a code name — The Burnham Park Project: The...

    Amon-Ra St. Brown Signs MASSIVE Extention With Lions

    We have a new highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL! According to a report from NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, the Lions have made Amon-Ra St. Brown the richest wideout in the NFL with a four-year, $120 million contract extension...

    Chicago Bears 2024 NFL Draft Fits: Offensive Linemen

    The 2024 NFL Draft begins Thursday. Chicago Bears General Manager Ryan Poles, Assistant GM Ian Cunningham, Head Coach Matt Eberflus, and others will put their heads together to come up with a winning plan for the team’s four picks (Nos....

    Stadium Stuff, Rome and Caleb, New Bears Hires, and Other Bears Bullets

    The 2024 NFL Draft is just one day away. Soon, we'll get to hear those magic words: "The Chicago Bears are on the clock." And they'll mean something! ICYMI: The Bears, who are set to have a press conference at...

    Ian Cunningham is Getting an Extension From the Bears

    Ian Cunningham is set to stick around for a little while longer. The Chicago Bears assistant general manager is getting some years tacked on to his contract, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. No details on how many more years are...

    The Bears Are Expected to Ask For Some Public Money For New Stadium

    If you have followed pro sports stadium projects in the past, then you probably are aware that taxpayers tend to end up footing a hearty chunk of the bill. And while the Chicago Bears have not yet made public their...

    Bears GM Ryan Poles Isn’t Necessarily Looking to Trade For More Draft Picks

    Ryan Poles has done well in creating a bevy of picks in each of his first two NFL Draft classes as Chicago Bears general manager. And even though the Bears have a league-low four picks in this week's NFL Draft,...

    Chicago Bears 7-Round Mock Draft: 4.0

    We’re just over 24 hours from the NFL Draft, and all I can say is finally. Finally, we’re done with the speculation. I’ll never forget the Bears Twitter Civil War of 2024 centered around the Caleb Williams vs. Justin Fields...

    Latest News

    Best NBA Prop Bets Today – April 25, 2024

    In a Thursday NBA playoff schedule that includes three competitive matchups, the Denver Nuggets versus the Los Angeles Lakers is a game to see.Searching for NBA player prop bets for today's games? This article features NBA player props for every...

    Dodgers vs. Nationals Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, April 25, 2024

    After a four-hit game last time out, Will Smith leads the Los Angeles Dodgers (15-11) as -199 favorites against the Washington Nationals (10-13). Action gets underway from Nationals Park at 4:05 PM ET on Thursday, live on MLB Network.Los Angeles'...

    Enhanced Box Score: Cubs 4, Astros 3 – April 24, 2024

    The Cubs did all their scoring in the first, and made it stand up for the win with generally good pitching and generally good defense. Jameson Taillon looked solid again in his second start, locating well, giving up no barrels,...

    Mariners vs. Rangers Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, April 25, 2024

    Expect a display of power when Caleb Raleigh (6 HR) and the Seattle Mariners (12-12) take on Adolis Garcia (7 HR) and the Texas Rangers (13-12) at Globe Life Field at 2:35 PM ET live on BSSW. Raleigh and the...

    Padres vs. Rockies Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, April 25, 2024

    The San Diego Padres will take the field against the Colorado Rockies (6-19) on Thursday. The game begins at 3:10 PM ET on SDPA, with the Padres listed as -150 favorites on the moneyline.San Diego's Randy Vasquez gets the start,...

    Dodgers vs. Nationals Probable Starting Pitchers – April 25

    After winning three games in a row, the Los Angeles Dodgers (15-11) play on the road against the Washington Nationals (10-13) at 4:05 PM ET on Thursday.The Dodgers will give the nod to Yoshinobu Yamamoto (1-1) versus the Nationals and...

    Royals vs. Blue Jays Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, April 25, 2024

    The Kansas City Royals (15-10) are favored on the moneyline (-121) in Thursday's contest against the Toronto Blue Jays (13-12). First pitch is at 2:10 PM ET on SNET. The Blue Jays, with +166 odds, are favored against the spread...

    Astros vs. Cubs Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, April 25, 2024

    Expect a display of power when Jose Altuve (6 HR) and the Houston Astros (7-18) take on Michael Busch (6 HR) and the Chicago Cubs (15-9) at Wrigley Field at 2:20 PM ET live on SCHN. Altuve and the Astros...

    Best MLB Prop Bets Today, April 25, 2024

    The Boston Red Sox and the Cleveland Guardians take the field for one of 10 exciting matchups on the MLB slate today.Below you'll discover MLB player prop bets for each and every game on today's slate -- MLB prop bets...

    Padres vs. Rockies Probable Starting Pitchers – April 25

    The Colorado Rockies (6-19) have a home game at Coors Field against the San Diego Padres (14-13) at 3:10 PM ET on Thursday.This contest's pitching matchup is set, as the Padres will send Randy Vasquez (0-1) to the mound, while...

    more bears news