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Justin Fields on NFL speed: "It was actually kind of slow to me."

Wade-Peeryby: Wade Peery08/14/21
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(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Justin Fields is off to a promising start in his NFL career. The former Ohio State star shined in his first game earlier today, completing 70 percent of his passes against the Miami Dolphins. He completed 14 of his 20 pass attempts for 142 passing yards, while tossing in one touchdown.

It’s the pre-season, but Fields’ performance was impressive. He demonstrated remarkable poise in the pocket, while delivering accurate passes time and time again.

He also flashed glimpses of his dynamic running ability in the open field, including his first touchdown as an NFL player. The rookie quarterback rushed five times for 33 yards and a touchdown on the ground.

Facing second and goal from the 8-yard-line, Fields pulled it down and rushed for his first NFL touchdown. The score came on the opening drive of the second half, cutting the Miami Dolphins’ lead to 13-10 with 9:45 remaining in the third quarter.

Check the clip below, where he eluded a defenders grasp, and rushed to his left for the score.

Of course, one touchdown wasn’t nearly enough. On the very next series, Fields found tight end Jessie James wide open for a 30-yard touchdown pass with 3:52 left in the third quarter to propel the Bears to a 17-13 lead.

Check the clip below, where he rolls to his right and spins a beautifully spun spiral to James for the score.

After the game, Fields met with the media and talked about his performance. Realizing his NFL dream, even in preseason, meant something to him.

“Definitely a dream come true. My first NFL touchdown and to have my NFL teammates celebrate me, it was a nice moment. All glory to God. Hopefully, it was the first of many,” he said in his post-game press conference.”

And despite that reverence for his teammates and the NFL, he didn’t mince words about the adjustment from college to the NFL.

“It was actually kind of slow to me to be honest. I was expecting it to be a little bit faster,” Fields began. “[Practicing game speed [and] going at it with my teammates every day and of course, we have a great defense. Me going against them everyday, it definitely slowed the game up a little bit. I felt comfortable out there. Of course, I have room to grow; so I’m just going to try to get better each and every day.”

Ohio State Career

Justin Fields led the Ohio State Buckeyes to a 20-2 overall record and back to back College Football Playoff berths. In the 2020-2021, he was named a First Team All Big Ten selection and the Sugar Bowl MVP. The Sugar Bowl was undoubtedly one of the most memorable performances of his college career, as he carved up the Clemson secondary to the tune of 385 yards and six touchdowns. Fields led the Buckeyes to a stunning 49-28 victory over the Tigers.

In his OSU career, Fields threw for 5,373 total passing yards, ranking him 10th in school history in that stat category. He posted those numbers in just two seasons in Columbus. His 63 passing touchdowns at Ohio State rank him second in Buckeye football history in that category.