NEWSLETTER
Justin Fields is happy to be here. I’m happy Justin Fields is here.
We’ve snagged some highlights from QB1’s first press conference of the regular season. And we’ve tacked on some commentary for depth and perspective. The entirety of Fields’ press conference is below. You’ll want to check it out in its entirety.
“I’m glad to be here, so I’m glad they passed on me”
There were no shortage of teams needing a quarterback in the 2021 NFL Draft. But only one ended up taking Justin Fields. In my most quiet moments, I still find it amazing that the Bears were the team landing Fields in the 2021 NFL Draft. There were so many ways for the process to unfold, but the likelihood of a Fields-Bears partnership — however much it made sense for Chicago to pursue — felt like a long shot. So much had to happen for this to break the Bears way … and it did. Good for us. But perhaps not so good for future Fields opponents.
Moving forward, Fields can use the draft snub as motivation. Although, publicly, he says that isn’t happening in Week 1 with a Niners team that took Trey Lance over him:
Even with that being said, Darnell Mooney – Fields’ teammate and No. 1 receiver target – sees things differently:
Personally, I want to see Fields pull a Patrick Mahomes and count his fingers to 11 after dusting the Niners on Sunday. But maybe that’s just me.
What it means to be a captain
ICYMI: Fields was named one of the Bears’ four season-long team captains on Wednesday. Not only does this represent a change from the previous regime (which was picking captains weekly), picking Fields as one of the four is a datapoint for us to highlight as a sign of growth going into his second year as a pro. Being a captain means different things to different people. This is what Fields said when he was asked what his vision was for the responsibilities that come with being a captain:
“Making sure our culture stays the way it is. Leading the team in whatever way possible. On and off the field. I think those are the main qualities to be a leader. Coach says you’ve got to lead yourself first. So I’m going to lead myself first, and also lead the guys behind me.”
Extra Points
Smart football has eluded the Bears in recent years. Ideally, this team straightens up with a new regime calling the shots.
“He’s a great person, funny guy, great coach. Just the way he talks to the team with confidence. You really believe when he’s talking to the team. I think it’s great for our team. Great having him. We’re all excited.”
This isn’t the time to debate whether you liked or didn’t like the Eberflus hire. And we won’t know if it was a good one for a few years. But at minimum, the breath of fresh air is doing wonders for creating a much-needed clean slate.
We’ve heard Fields come to the defense of his receivers. And now we have his public support of rookie left tackle Braxton Jones:
The best leaders keep it real. And Fields is doing just that with those words in discussing the challenge ahead for his rookie blindside protector.
“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.”
But here we are in September, and Fields is singing a different tune:
“We’re all ready to play on Sunday.”
Me, too, Justin. Me, too.
For Fields’ full press conference, check out the video below:
