MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – DECEMBER 29: Head coach Matt Nagy of the Chicago Bears looks on during the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Bears defeated the Vikings 21-19. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
Bears fans are already in love with the idea of quarterback Justin Fields. Matt Nagy seems to be in complete agreement after watching him practice.
It seems like forever since the Bears had a starting quarterback they could believe in. Matt Nagy’s recent words on rookie signal-caller Justin Fields could signal that Chicago’s quarterback drought is nearing an end.
Fields’ talent was on full display in Wednesday’s practice when he unleashed a particularly impressive deep throw down the sideline to wideout Damiere Byrd. Nagy didn’t hesitate in his praise of the former Ohio State star, telling reporters Fields has “that mentality to rip your heart out.”
Those who watched Fields at Ohio State know this is all too true. Just ask Clemson about that mentality after he threw six touchdowns in the College Football Playoff semifinals to lead the Buckeyes to the National Championship Game last season.
Touting him as a killer on the field should also endear him to Chicago’s blue-collar fan base. Bears fans have naturally gravitated toward tough players over the years. Bears fans will be happy to hear he wants to defeat opponents just as badly as they do.
Does this mean Justin Fields has won the starting job?
The next comment that Bears fans are hanging on from Nagy in regard to Fields is when he’s ready to name him the starting quarterback. For now, Andy Dalton is the starter and the Bears are taking things slowly with Fields.
It will still be a major surprise if Fields doesn’t work his way into the mix early during the regular season. He has too much upside for Chicago to leave languishing on the bench. If the Bears want to be dangerous playoff contenders in 2021 they need for Fields to be the creative spark their offense has sorely lacked in recent seasons.
Bears fans should still monitor Nagy’s words closely as the preseason process rolls along. Every big compliment he gives Fields will bring him one step closer to naming his rookie as his starting quarterback. It’s only a matter of time before Fields takes control of the Bears offense.