Bears vs. Falcons Preview: Atlanta Faces 'Michael Vick 2.0' in Justin Fields
When the Atlanta Falcons face off against the 3-7 Chicago Bears on Sunday, they will do so against an improved version of second-year quarterback Justin Fields.
After a slow start to his sophomore campaign, Fields is starting to come into his own. Over the previous four games, the 23-year-old quarterback has completed 64.1 percent of his passes for 620 yards, eight touchdowns and a pair of interceptions despite the Bears' 1-3 record.
After evaluating the Ohio State prospect during the draft process in 2021, coach Arthur Smith isn't unfamiliar with Fields' talents. But Smith and his staff understand that Field's ongoing developments over the past 17 months make for a dangerous opponent.
"You just have to keep him in [the pocket]," defensive coordinator Dean Pees said. "The guy has 700-and-some yards as a quarterback running the ball. Some of them are designed runs. You just have to do a good job of corralling him. The problem with him too is not only when he takes off – he’s a 230-pound guy that can run the ball. He’d probably be a good running back if he was a running back."
Fields, a Georgia native, is excited for his homecoming to face the Falcons inside the Mercedes Benz stadium Atlanta Sunday afternoon. Fields has established himself as one of the NFL's most prominent dual-threat quarterbacks in 2022.
His style of play has reminded the general public and football minded-coaches of Falcons quarterback legend Michael Vick.
"He’s a bigger, more physical dude, and different style but you would say similar in some ways because of his ability to run," Pees said. "Vick was a different, slashy runner, to me. Where Justin is a little more, once he hits it, he can hit it. They’re probably the same speed.
"Vick was so much more like [Lamar Jackson]. That slashy, stop, turn. [Fields] doesn’t really try to do that. He’s just going to try to outrun you and beat you. I’m not saying he can’t do it. I’m just watching most of the film and he’s just outrunning people."
The Bears and Falcons kick off at 1 p.m. Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
You can follow Coty Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24
Get your HOTlanta Falcons game tickets from SI Tickets ... here!
Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Falcons? Click Here.
Follow Falcon Report on Twitter.
Want even more Atlanta Falcons news? Check out the Si.com team page here
