The word “ready” is being overused and overanalyzed when it comes to rookie quarterback Justin Fields and his development.
Of course, he isn’t ready for everything that NFL defenses do. He’s a rookie. The only way for him to be truly ready for the NFL experience is by experiencing the NFL.
Did Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow truly look ready for the Bears when he was intercepted on three consecutive possessions? No, he didn’t. Burrow looked overwhelmed.
The same is true for other quarterbacks from this year’s rookie class. Week 2 wasn’t a good one for Fields, Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson and, to a lesser extent, Mac Jones.
This is where this week’s five takeaways begin.
‘Ready’ or not …
What Fields appears ready for is more. Andy Dalton’s injury could ultimately provide that this week and beyond. But managing Fields’ growing pains and rookie mistakes must become part of the Bears’ game plans for him. Or put it this way: Coach Matt Nagy and his staff must be ready for them to happen.
