Justin Fields Reacts To Making First NFL Start Against Browns

Because starting quarterback Andy Dalton has a knee injury, Ohio State standout quarterback Justin Fields will get his first NFL start.

Fields’ Reaction

Justin Fields is ready for his debut.

Bears fans have been ready for it since his name was called by the team in the 2021 NFL Draft.

When asked to describe how he feels about getting his first NFL start, Fields said:

“I’m trying to keep all the outside distractions out of the way and focus on Sunday and prepare the best I can. I think I’m ready. I’ve been preparing for this moment for a long time. My mindset doesn’t change, I’m still going to have to play my football and just prepare the best I can. Like I said before, get a lot of practice reps and study, study, study, and get more comfortable and confident with the plays and stuff like that.”

He plans to use past first starts to combat the inevitable nerves that could creep in for this game.

Fields said:

“I definitely learned from past experiences, past first starts. I still remember my first start in high school, I was nervous as can be. I think being more this way just being stoic and being even-keeled, I think that just keeps my mind calm and allows me to think more.”

How Will The Browns Handle Fields?

Fields is a mobile quarterback, and the Browns have struggled on defense this year against previous opponents, Patrick Mahomes and Tyrod Taylor.

The Browns (hopefully) plan to blitz more than they did with Mahomes or Taylor so that Fields gets the ball out quicker and perhaps makes rookie mistakes while doing so.

The pressure will be on Fields, not just from the Browns’ defense.

Andy Dalton is not going on IR.

Bears Coach Matt Nagy continues to insist Dalton is the starting quarterback as soon as he is healthy.

Fields is auditioning for the starting job beginning on Sunday against the Browns.

It will be interesting to see how he fares.