NEWSLETTER
Aaron Rodgers has doled out some advice for quarterbacks over the years.
But all things considered, I’m wary of taking heed of Rodgers’ words.
Granted, he made some good points about the value of practice reps earlier in the summer. And he was probably onto something when warning about quarterbacks making the second-year leap in 2018. Perhaps some of those words could be useful in putting things in perspective today. Heck, Rodgers giving tips on how to manipulate free plays last year is something developing quarterbacks should put in their back pockets. I don’t like the guy, but I guess he makes some valid assessments.
With that in mind, Bears quarterback Justin Fields is taking it to another level in actively studying Rodgers.
As they say: To be the best, you have to beat the best. And what better way to go about it than learning from Rodgers himself?
Via the Chicago Sun-Times’ Jason Lieser:
“I like how he plays quarterback — that’s just me being real,” Fields told the Sun-Times. “I know we have a big rivalry and of course I want to beat him, but that’s just what it is.
“He’s a great quarterback. He plays the game very efficiently, for sure.”
“Just looking at things he does well, like get the ball out fast,” Fields said. “Just his footwork. He’s great at that. He’s a Hall of Fame quarterback, so there are a lot of things I can take from his game and try to incorporate into mine, for sure.
Again, I don’t like Rodgers much. However, there is no denying his greatness. Ugh. I’m gonna need to wash my mouth out with soap after that one. But it’s true. Fields is right. Rodgers plays the game efficiently and at a high level. It’s a combination that has made him so hard to stop over the years. But perhaps Justin Fields is the quarterback who will go toe-to-toe with Chicago football’s top foe.
Even though the Bears didn’t make big splashy moves to add to the receivers room or offensive line, the team begun putting pieces in place to help Fields grow into the type of franchise QB Rodgers became in Green Bay. It begins with hiring away Luke Getsy, the first-year Bears play-caller who was Rodgers’ position coach. If you can’t beat ’em, poach ’em away from your rivals! And it continues with Getsy creating a game-plan that best fits Fields’ skill set. Because that was very much a thing that wasn’t happening with Matt Nagy’s stubborn game-planning or Bill Lazor’s game-calling.
Sure, the process is still in its early phases. But there is a plan in place. And a process that is ongoing. That makes where the Bears are now better than they were the last time they were in Green Bay. It’s a start to a story that I can’t wait to see unfold. And the next chapter will be written tonight on Sunday Night Football.
