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Bear Necessities: Justin Fields is learning to let the big plays come to him

Alyssa Barbieri
·2 min read
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Bears quarterback Justin Fields has been dazzling football fans with his elite athleticism and playmaking ability, including in Sunday’s loss to the Dolphins. Fields set an NFL record with 178 rushing yards, the most ever by a quarterback in the regular season.

It’s a change from the first six weeks of the season, where many were concerned about Fields’ development. But ever since the mini-bye week, Fields and the offense have been trending upward.

These last three weeks have featured some big-time plays by Fields — including Sunday’s 61-yard touchdown run — and it’s no coincidence. One of the biggest things Fields has learned this season is to let the big plays happen organically, rather than trying to force something to happen.

“Main thing is not forcing the big plays, just letting them come to me,” Fields said. “Of course, I’ve always thought I’ve been able to make the big play, but I think the one thing you can’t do is force big plays and just kind of let them come to you.

“Just take what the defense gives you. Play every play out. Situationally, what’s the down and distance? What do we need to accomplish on this play? Of course, if there is a big play there, then take it. We have certain plays where we want to call a shot, we are taking a shot down field. There’s other plays where we just want to get a few yards or just get a completion.”

Fields’ playmaking ability hasn’t gone unnoticed by a national audience, who are marveling at his elite athleticism. There’s been praise galore (from players and coaches to league analysts). Still, Fields isn’t letting the hype get to him.

“Just don’t let it affect me,” he said. “Just go about my day like I would before all this hype came or so-called hype. Just put my head down and keep working. My main goal is to keep improving and keep getting better each and every day.”

Story originally appeared on Bears Wire