Justin Fields: Bears GM Ryan Pace says no reason to rush rookie QB

Justin Fields put together a stellar preseason, but the Chicago Bears are sticking with veteran Andy Dalton as the team’s starter, according to general manager Ryan Pace.

“I just feel like we’re just in a good position with Andy,” Pace said, on the team’s official website. “It starts with how we feel about Andy, and we’re very confident in him and where he’s at. So, there’s no need for us to rush Justin.”

The former Ohio State quarterback was impressive nearly every time he stepped on the field throughout preseason, but the Bears brass has been adamant they are taking a slow approach with their hopeful future franchise signal caller.

“Playing quarterback in the NFL, there’s so much that goes into that and so much different than you’d even see in the preseason—the weekly preparation, seeing NFL defenses in the regular season and all those things,” Pace said. “I just think the more time he has to learn that and observe that, the better off for him.”

Justin Fields preseason numbers

Though preseason production only tells part of the story for any developing quarterback, it’s hard for Bears fans to ignore what they saw from Fields.

He showed his dual threat ability, completing 30 of 49 passes for 276 yards with two touchdowns and a 90.2 passer rating while also leading the Bears in rushing with 92 yards and one TD on 11 carries.

Pace was open and honest when describing Fields’ poise and confidence.

“We obviously knew about the arm talent, the athleticism, the work ethic, all those things,” Pace said. “But when you get him out there in an NFL environment, he stays calm in the moment. His heart rate stays low, he processes fast. He goes through progressions. I think you feel like you see a lot of young quarterbacks who kind of stare down an intended target. [But] you see him working through his progressions which I think is really good to see from a young quarterback.”

For now, Bears fans will be forced to remain patient. While Pace has stuck behind Dalton all offseason, it still feels like Justin Fields could take over the minute the Chicago offense gets stifled. It will be one of the top storylines to follow this season.