LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) – When the Bears defense lines up in practice to run through their plays, they do so against a scout-team quarterback who's out to prove a point.
Bears coach Matt Nagy joked before the regular season that he could sense 22-year-old rookie quarterback Justin Fields wasn’t pleased to be leading the scout team in practice, and Fields has channeled his feelings into that role.
The scout team is designed to simulate plays of the upcoming opponent so the starting unit can be prepared for each game. While there's typically a significant talent differential between a starting unit and the scout team that's simulating an opponent, Fields has played with a fierce determination in an attempt to close that gap.
“I was just trying to do my best at practice and pretty much torch our defense every time I was out there,” Fields said after his first NFL game.
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Fields will likely make his first career NFL start Sunday, when the Bears (1-1) visit the Cleveland Browns (1-1). This past Sunday, veteran starting quarterback Andy Dalton suffered a left knee injury that's believed to be a bone bruise, as NFL Media first reported. The injury is expected to keep Dalton out for at least this week and perhaps longer.
In addition to the limited role Fields has played for the Bears’ offense in the first two games, he has prepared himself with work on the scout team – lining up with reserve players and members of the Bears practice squad and going up against edge rusher Khalil Mack, edge rusher Robert Quinn, defensive lineman Akiem Hicks, safety Eddie Jackson and members of Chicago’s vaunted defense.
“He can put a ball on a dime,” Bears defensive lineman Bilal Nichols said of Fields. “Some of the windows he squeezes the ball into, the accuracy throwing on the run, it’s incredible. He shows a lot of talent in his arm strength and just his accuracy also along with his athletic abilities.
“He really is competing with us every day. It’s back and forth, all in fun. He’s getting us better and we’re getting him better. It’s beautiful to see.”
After the Bears were gashed defensively in their 34-14 loss to the Rams in their season opener on Sept. 12, Fields took responsibility for his part. He gathered members of the scout team offense and challenged them to improve the defense.
The Bears had communication problems defensively against the Rams, who posted 388 yards of offense as quarterback Matthew Stafford found openings and picked Chicago's defense. Truth be told, Fields didn’t deserve any blame for the Bears' defensive struggles, but his approach was reflective of how he has embraced everything.
“I was like, ‘Yo, we didn't go a good job last week getting our defensive looks,’” Fields said. “So I tried to go out there this past week and I tried to scorch our defense and just really just play ball with them. I was trying to get all the practice team and receivers together and tell them that we need to do better to get our defense better.”
The Bears defense bounced back in a 20-17 win against the Bengals on Sunday at Soldier Field, forcing four turnovers and leading the way to victory. The defense also helped support Fields, who entered in the second quarter for the injured Dalton and struggled at times.
Even so, Fields inspired confidence in the Bears that he’s capable of leading them forward, whether that’s for a brief period without Dalton or well beyond that.
“You definitely believe in the kid that he’s going to make a play for you,” offensive tackle Jason Peters said. “Most of the time he does.”
Added receiver Darnell Mooney: “Everybody trusts him."
If Dalton was healthy, the Bears would begin implementing their offensive plan Wednesday around him – and Fields would be back to the scout team, preparing to give the Bears defense glances of Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield.
Instead, it seems that Fields will be readying himself as the Bears’ starting quarterback for the first time. His teammates have already seen what makes him special.
“He’s a tremendous player,” Nichols said. “He has a lot of upside. He’s definitely going to be a dude in this league. I’m excited for him. I feel like with him, we’ll be in good hands.”
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.