Bears rookie QB Justin Fields already drawing rave reviews

So far, so good for the former Ohio State star. Just a few days into OTAs, Bears players, beat writers and team insiders are already raving about the 22-year-old quarterback.

Bears’ No. 2 receiver Darnell Mooney, a great vertical threat, offered glowing praise for Fields after a recent practice. It only took a few deep throws before Mooney was “smiling mid-route” from just tracking the flight of the ball and the compliments didn’t end there. Mooney said (per NBC Sports Chicago):

“It’s a beautiful ball, man. He knows where he wants to put it and it’s very accurate. Sometimes it can get there at the right ball, but he wants it out in front of you and he’ll get frustrated with himself if it’s not there. He’s very tough on his self. He’s a great player, great person as well, and he’s gonna have a good career.”

Chicago could rarely deliver explosive plays in 2020, with Mitchell Trubisky often missing his spots on deep attempts. Dalton was brought in to provide stability at the position, but throwing 20-plus yards downfield isn’t one of his strengths. It’s just another area where Fields stand out.

One Bears’ staffer told Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer that Fields is showing strong command during practice, is playing with confidence and displaying quiet confidence. Even more importantly, he is very coachable and doing everything the team is asking of him.

While the rookie has made some mistakes, mainly handling the quarterback-center exchange, Dalton isn’t creating any separation. The veteran threw a trio of interceptions on Wednesday, and his counterpart received a majority of the praise.

Fields also received praise from running back Damien Williams, who called the rookie’s back-shoulder deep throw “beautiful,” and it wasn’t even his best play of the practice.

Dalton will likely enter training camp listed as the Bears’ starting quarterback. Just don’t be surprised if Fields takes the field in Week 1.