The Chicago Bears hosted the Miami Dolphins in the first of several joint practices between the teams before they kick off their Week 1 preseason game on Saturday, August 14.
Star wide receiver Allen Robinson was held out of the practice session because of a hamstring injury, and the Bears’ offensive line featured a mix of deep reserves at offensive tackle. As a result, Chicago’s offense sputtered, according to reporters in attendance.
Two of those reporters on site were The Athletic’s Kevin Fishbain and Adam Jahns, who shared their notes from the practice shortly after its conclusion.
The biggest question on fans’ minds, of course, was how rookie quarterback Justin Fields fared in his first action against an opposing NFL defense.
Here’s what Jahns and Fishbain had to say:
Fields also had a couple interceptions, which we’ll get to in a bit, but he showed off his velocity on a rocket pass to Jesper Horsted to keep it away from a defender. Fellow rookie Khalil Herbert helped Fields out with good pass protection. Fields did a nice job going through his progressions in seven-on-seven drills before finding Rodney Adams on a deep post.
Fields’ interceptions came via a tipped pass and in 7-on-7’s, so not exactly terrible. The focus should be on the positive, which according to multiple onlookers (including members of Dolphins media), was plentiful for Fields. He had a 45-yard touchdown completion to Jon’Vea Johnson that was deemed one of the best throws of the day.
The joint practice was forced indoors because of storms that rolled into the area. Video highlights are limited as a result.
We’ll have more updates on Fields’ progress in the coming days, culminating with his first preseason game on Saturday.
