The Chicago Bears returned to the practice field on Wednesday for their 12th workout of the summer, and there was plenty to digest from the padded session.
Justin Fields is entering a pivotal third season, where the expectation is he’ll have a breakout season following some big offseason additions, including wide receiver DJ Moore. After emerging as an elite rusher last season, Fields needs to make strides as a passer. Luckily, Fields has consistency for the first time in his NFL career as he’ll play his second year in Luke Getsy’s offense.
We’re taking a look at the good, the bad and the noteworthy with Fields from the 12th practice of Bears training camp:
The Good
Justin Fields and the offense thrived during one third-down period, according to The Athletic. They converted five of seven third downs, including a touchdown to receiver Darnell Mooney on third-and-4 from the 39-yard line, as well as Fields connecting with receiver Equanimeous St. Brown for a first down with a quick throw on third-and-8.
Fields also thrived during the 7-on-7 period, where he went 8-for-10, which included completions to receiver DJ Moore, fullback Khari Blasingame, St. Brown, running back Roschon Johnson and receiver Nsimba Webster. Although he failed to connect on a touchdown pass to running back Khalil Herbert earlier in the drill.
The Bad
Fields and the offense had a “clunky, sloppy day” in their return to pads, according to Josh Schrock, who said “execution and consistency were lacking” during those play-it periods. They had four false starts, including two on rookie right tackle Darnell Wright and one on left tackle Braxton Jones.
The high red-zone period was rough for the first-team offense, who started with a three-and-out. The drive started with Fields throwing an incomplete pass to Mooney. After Herbert was blown up in the backfield for a loss, Fields failed to connect with tight end Cole Kmet on third-and-long, as cornerback Tyrique Stevenson deflected the pass.
As far as Fields specifically, there wasn’t a lot of bad to note outside of some incompletions, including a missed touchdown shot to Herbert during the 7-on-7 period. Fields played a clean practice without any interceptions.
The Noteworthy
At this time last summer, everyone was talking about the chemistry between Fields and Darnell Mooney. But with the arrivals of DJ Moore and Chase Claypool, Fields has developed connections with his newest wideouts.
While Mooney has had a quiet camp, as he returns from a fractured ankle, his connection on Fields flourished during Wednesday’s practice. With Claypool sidelined with an apparent hamstring injury, Mooney made the most of his extended reps, where he made some impressive plays against defenders that reminded everyone that his connection with Fields is special.
Mooney showed he can be a threat in the vertical passing game, as evidenced by when Fields found him on a deep crossing route for a deep ball completion with a defender draped on him.
Beautiful play! Justin Fields to Darnell Mooney on a deep crossing route as Justin Fields rolled out to his left and made a dime ball throw.
Mooney with another great catch with a defender on his back.
Touchdown, Bears!
— Greg Braggs Jr. (@GBraggsJr23) August 9, 2023
While Fields to Moore will be the duo to watch this season, don’t forget about Mooney.
What People Are Saying
Damnn… Justin Fields throw to DJ Moore was nasty. 😮💨😮💨😮💨
— Max Markham (@MaxMarkhamNFL) August 9, 2023
Beautiful play! Justin Fields to Darnell Mooney on a deep crossing route as Justin Fields rolled out to his left and made a dime ball throw.
Mooney with another great catch with a defender on his back.
Touchdown, Bears!
— Greg Braggs Jr. (@GBraggsJr23) August 9, 2023
In the 2 minute drill, Justin Fields looks in command. Moving the ball efficiently. Taking check downs and had the nice deep ball to Moore.
— Ryan Dengel (@RyanDengel) August 9, 2023
I can confirm that the Justin Fields/DJ Moore connection is real
— Chicago Football Connection (@CFCBears) August 9, 2023
Justin Fields to DJ Moore on a quick slant vs Tyrique Stevenson.
They are making those throws look easy. Really promising.
— Greg Braggs Jr. (@GBraggsJr23) August 9, 2023
"I ain't gonna lie, he is fast. He is fast for real and he can throw the ball on the money."
– Chicago Bears rookie Zacch Pickens on quarterback Justin Fields(Via The Chicago Bears Podcast on @ESPN1000)
— Daniel Greenberg (@ChiSportUpdates) August 10, 2023
Two minute begins with a sack for the defense. But a play later Justin Fields delivers a dart to DJ Moore who got his feet down for a nice grab. Was right in front of me and impressive. #Bears
— Zack Pearson (@Zack_Pearson) August 9, 2023
DOWN:
— Chase Claypool pulled up lame with a leg injury and didn't return.
— Too many penalties, including multiple false start issues for Darnell Wright
— Two red zone 11-on-11 periods went TD-free for 1st-team O.
— End-of-game, TD-to-tie possession stalled out for 1st-O.— Dan Wiederer (@danwiederer) August 9, 2023
These throws are insane. Anyone that says Justin Fields can’t throw a football should be admitted to a mental institution. pic.twitter.com/JVy9DUFJyE
— illwill (@79illwill) August 9, 2023
