The Chicago Bears might’ve lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night, but there was something else more important than a win in a season where Chicago isn’t contending. And that’s the progression of rookie quarterback Justin Fields.
With the Bears trailing six points with 2:52 left in the game, Fields was facing the most important moment of his young career with the opportunity to lead his first game-winning drive.
On the road in the prime-time spotlight, Fields stepped up in the moment and led the Bears on a 7-play, 75-yard touchdown drive, which culminated in a 16-yard touchdown to wide receiver Darnell Mooney.
But what made it even more special was what happened right before Fields led his team on what was almost a game-winning drive.
“He had a smile on his face like it was his time,” said head coach Matt Nagy. “When you see that, the confidence it gives you as a coach when you see that, it was almost like he was hoping that this was going to be the situation. And for him to follow through with that and make those plays that he made, it was a really, really good feeling on that sideline.
“When you talk about the growth for him, the offense and just the team as a whole, that’s a moment. That’s a moment.”
The moment wasn’t too big for Fields, which is nothing new for the former Ohio State quarterback who’s been known to deliver in crunch time. Fields is known for his stoic demeanor, especially in the big moments, and that was the case during that clutch touchdown drive.
“My mindset was just, it’s time, we’re here,” Fields said. “You can either be the guy who always gets put in that position and doesn’t show up, or you can be the guy who does show up in the big moments. That’s what my mindset was and I was calm and just focused on showing up.”
Fields had a breakout game on the road in prime time where the NFL caught a glimpse of everything Fields can become in this league. And that was something truly special.
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