Bears coach explains why Justin Fields will become a superstar
The football world received its first look at Justin Fields as the Chicago Bears’ full-time starter last season. Analysts and fans alike only have game tape to judge Fields as a quarterback, but one person on the Bears coaching staff has a unique perspective on the his growth on a day-to-day basis. Bears defensive coordinator […]
The football world received its first look at Justin Fields as the Chicago Bears’ full-time starter last season. Analysts and fans alike only have game tape to judge Fields as a quarterback, but one person on the Bears coaching staff has a unique perspective on the his growth on a day-to-day basis.
Bears defensive coordinator Alan Williams is in his second season under head coach Matt Eberflus. In charge of Chicago’s defense, which competes against Fields on regular basis, Williams knows the Bears signal caller as well as anybody.
Williams spoke to reporters on Wednesday on the rare traits Fields possesses which have contributed to his evolution as a player and as a leader.
“Leadership, because that's what you want in your quarterback. I see good decision making, that's what you want your quarterback. I see improved accuracy, that's what you want your quarterback. And how fast he's processing, so that's also what you want in your quarterback,” Williams noted as part of Fields’ development. “From day one last year to right now, from my standpoint I'm not a quarterback guru whatsoever, but I see how he's grown from last year to this year and practice by practice by practice. He's growing, so you have to be encouraged when you when you see those things.”
Fields’ intelligence level and leadership abilities are far beyond what anybody would expect from a 24-year-old gunslinger. His competitiveness and will to win liken the intangibles of veteran players, which are part of the reason why Fields has such a command of the locker room and high approval from the coaching staff.
With a significantly upgraded supporting cast thanks to GM Ryan Poles’ tremendous body of work this offseason, Fields is poised to give Williams’ defense fits in practice this season. With that being said, the Bears defense also had its fair share of impactful newcomers.
Chicago has vastly improved both sides of the ball which will only make the team better throughout training camp and in practice during the season. After all, iron sharpens iron. Like Williams mentioned, Fields has all of the characteristics necessary in order to become a top quarterback in the NFL. Now, without the excuse of a porous offensive line and meager options at receiver, it’s up to Fields to put it all together in 2023.
Featured image via Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports
