NFL Power Rankings, Preseason Week 1: Rookie QBs steal the show

Andy Dalton got the start for the Chicago Bears in their first preseason game but everyone wanted to see the No. 2 quarterback take the field. Rookie Justin Fields got his first taste of NFL action and at first, things looked a little rough.

The first drive for Fields ended following a couple of penalties and that was followed by back-to-back three-and-outs including a fumble when he tried to scramble. In all, he moved the team one yard in three plays but then got going just before the half, leading the Bears on a 42-yard drive to put up their first three points.

Chicago came out in the third and had a 77-yard drive on eight plays that ended with an eight-yard touchdown run from Fields. His next drive went 70 yards on seven plays, capped off by a 30-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jesse James. Following one more short drive, Fields was taken out with a stat line consisting of 142 yards on 14-of-20 passing and added 33 yards with the touchdown pass and run.

After the young man settled down, he showed off why the Bears were willing to trade a couple of first-round picks to move up for him in the 2021 NFL Draft. Fields looks like the real deal and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him take over for Dalton before much longer. And as long as their defense continues to play as well as they have in recent years, that could lead to a successful season.