LAKE FOREST, Ill. — After finishing the first preseason game of his rookie season in 2021, Bears quarterback Justin Fields made a comment he wanted to take back. He said the speed of the NFL game felt “slow” to him. 

Fields found his comments being taken out of context on social media and attempted to walk back what he said, but it was too late. What was worse for Fields is that his play as a rookie – and even early into his second season – indicated the game was actually far too fast for him. He wasn’t properly working his route progressions, was missing reads in coverage and often scrambling too early. 

Following the Bears’ 29-22 loss to the Vikings on Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium, Fields made a revealing point after what was one of the most promising performances of his young career. 

“When I first got here, you see big guys flying around, D-linemen going fast, you just think you have to speed everything up,” Fields said in Minneapolis. “I’m just starting to figure out that you got to play within your own rhythm.” 

With Fields now conscious of his internal clock, the Bears can hope to find what they have in their 23-year-old quarterback. It’s a pivotal step in his development and perhaps a change that could be the catalyst for better play ahead. Finally, the game is indeed slowing down for Fields. 

Former Bears head coach Matt Nagy recognized these struggles in Fields as he got him into practice during the 2021 offseason. He could see Fields rushing through his receivers in coverage, struggling to get his base set for the right throw and simply missing. As Nagy hoped to save his place as coach, he planned for veteran Andy Dalton to start at quarterback. 

Nagy and the Bears’ previous regime stood by Dalton as their starter even after trading up to take Fields with the No. 11 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Though they wouldn’t publicly point to Fields’ processing struggles, it was apparent behind closed doors at Halas Hall. 

Fields is starting to showcase important development traits for a young quarterback. During the first quarter Sunday against the Vikings, he threw a pass to the front pylon that missed receiver Darnell Mooney. What seemed like disconnect between the quarterback and receiver was actually Fields hoping to throw open his target away from a defender – rather than forcing a pass into tight coverage. 

Those are the types of plays that could transform this Bears offense, the ones that great quarterbacks make. But most notably, Fields is now hitting the layups that he missed so often before. He is standing tall in the pocket and spotting opportunities to make a throw.  

If Fields can stay composed within each play and work within the timing of his routes, the Bears are going to have better success striking the balance that offensive coordinator Luke Getsy covets. And with that, the passing game can be the source of those explosive plays that have been sorely lacking. 

Now, Fields must show that Sunday’s signs of promise weren’t just a sampling – that he is truly developing as the Bears hope and believe he can.  

If the game stays slow for Fields, he can finally take off. 

4-down territory 

1. Containing Carson 

Bears coach Matt Eberflus was there last year in Indianapolis as the Colts found that quarterback Carson Wentz wasn’t the right fit. They saw his flaws being exposed in practice, took note of those tendencies and the franchise opted to trade Wentz away one year after acquiring him. 

Now, Eberflus and his Bears defensive staff are aiming to exploit Wentz on Thursday night as he leads the Commanders into Soldier Field. 

“He’s a big-play guy,” Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson said. “Sometimes that can be good and sometimes that can be a little risky. You see he’s kind of holding the ball, taking sacks, different things like that. He’s definitely a big-play guy. We really got to stay on top and limit those big plays, keep the ball in his hands as long as possible. 

“He’s going to be who he is. Like I said, he’s a big play guy. Sometimes there’s some high risk and high reward to that.” 

Wentz enters Thursday night’s game against the Bears completing 62.9% of his passes for 1,390 yards, 10 touchdowns and six interceptions. He ranks fifth in touchdown passes and second in interceptions. Wentz has also been sacked the third-most of any quarterback in the NFL.  

With the Commanders 1-4 on the season, the blame in Washington has landed on the inconsistencies of Wentz. Coach Ron Rivera was asked on Monday why his team has struggled and bluntly said: Quarterback. 

Rivera apologized to Wentz and attempted to walk back his comments on Wednesday, but Wentz’s work speaks for itself. The No. 2 overall pick in 2016, Wentz is now playing for his third team in as many seasons and likely facing his last opportunity as a Bonafide starter in this league. 

The NFL has caught on to what Wentz truly is as a quarterback: a gifted player who is constantly seeking the big play. The Bears hope to take advantage of that on Thursday night. 

2. Jaylon looks to dominate 

Jaylon Johnson set a goal for himself this season. 

“My whole thing this year is really about dominating,” Johnson said.  

Those hopes took a hit in September as Johnson was set back by a quad injury he suffered while running in coverage during practice. The Bears have since made adjustments to their practice schedule with the belief it can cut back on key players going down. But Chicago had to play the last three games without Johnson, including a matchup last Sunday against Vikings star Justin Jefferson. 

Johnson was taken off the Bears’ injury report on Wednesday, this after practicing in full this week. That means he has been cleared to play without limitations. 

For Johnson, returning to the field means he can get back to proving himself as a dominant player. Opposing quarterbacks seem to have taken notice of Johnson’s presence – and the Bears’ other limitations – in the secondary. Johnson has been targeted against just four times. 

“I don’t even think like that,” Johnson said. “I think the ball is coming every play, honestly. My biggest thing this year is not thinking like that. I feel like there were sometimes last year where I gave up easy plays really having that mindset, ‘Dang, the ball not coming.’ Then I give up something cheap. For me, just going from that to thinking that ball is coming every play and just wanting to be in the best position I can. 

“I want to make plays on the ball.” 

3. Harry starts over 

When wide receiver N’Keal Harry learned the news that he was being traded to the Bears, he was overcome with emotion. The opportunity meant a fresh start, one he needed after being cast aside in New England. 

A 1st-round pick to the Patriots in 2019, Harry is motivated to prove himself now with the Bears. After recovering from an August ankle injury, he has been activated off injured reserve and is eligible to play Thursday night’s game. 

The Bears hope Harry can bring Fields the big target missing in their offense. 

“Special player,” Harry said of Fields. “The way he can create plays and make something out of nothing is special. So, I’m excited to get out there.” 

Getsy indicated Harry could require another week before he becomes a focal point in the offense, though his 6-foot-4, 225-pound frame could be a difference-maker in the red zone. 

If Harry doesn’t see a significant role against the Commanders, that could change in the Bears’ next game: at New England on Oct. 24. 

4. Orangemen 

Beginning this season, all 32 NFL teams are permitted to wear an alternate helmet. It was part of a rule over concerns for helmet safety, with previous belief that new helmets wouldn’t properly conform to players’ heads.  

Thirteen teams have followed through on this new initiative, including the Bears. On Thursday night, they will debut a new orange helmet that pairs with the orange alternate jerseys and white pants. This look will also be worn Oct. 30 at Dallas, with the Cowboys in their traditional white home uniforms. 

“We believe we have the best uniforms in sport, certainly among the most iconic,” Bears chairman George McCaskey said when the orange helmets were unveiled in July. “So, we’re not looking to overhaul it. We just want to make enhancements to the existing look from time to time and we think this is a great enhancement. I’m very excited for this modification. I like that it’s staying within the traditional Bears look. We’re excited about them and hope the fans will be too.” 

Perhaps not everybody with the Bears is so excited about the team’s alternate look. 

“It’s a helmet. It’s orange. It’s different,” said Bears linebacker Roquan Smith, who first modeled the helmet in July. “But I think it’s pretty cool just to go out looking like a highlighter or something.” 

Quote to note 

“No matter how well you play, I feel like there’s always going to be room to improve.” 

—Justin Fields 

Injury report 

CB Jaylon Johnson (quad) — After a three-game absence, Johnson is ready to return and provide the Bears with a presence they’ve missed in the secondary. 

S Dane Cruikshank (hamstring) — Cruikshank suffered the hamstring injury during the Sept. 18 game at Green Bay and is finally back to full strength in practice. He is officially questionable to play. 

WR N’Keal Harry (ankle) — While Harry was activated from injured reserve this week, he may not play much of a workload on Thursday night. The Bears are hoping he can be a key contributor in their offense. 

Emma’s Prediction (5-0): Bears 24, Commanders 21 

Sure, this might not be the most exciting matchup on paper but it actually should be a fairly entertaining game. The Bears will go to 3-3 on the season entering this mini-bye week, with Justin Fields continuing his positive trends.