Is this why Fields was dealt? I hope not

[EzraTank]

Interesting read ...


Original source CBS Sports

With Justin Fields now in Pittsburgh, it will be interesting to see if he gets along with Russell Wilson, because it seems that he definitely did NOT get along with another Super Bowl winning quarterback that he once played with.

During his rookie season in Chicago, the Bears had three quarterbacks on the roster with Fields, Andy Dalton and former Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles, who led the Eagles to a 41-33 win over the Patriots in Super Bowl LII. According to Tyler Dunne of Go Long, the relationship between Fields and the other two quarterbacks was "toxic as hell" with most of the animosity coming between Fields and Foles.

According to the report, the relationship between Foles and Fields basically reached rock bottom after a situation where Foles was trying to teach something to Fields, only to turn around and realize that Fields wasn't paying attention to anything Foles was saying. According to the report, Foles and Fields "could not stand each other."

Although that report came from an anonymous source, it seems to line up with some information that was shared back in February by Josh Lucas, who happens to be the Bears' former director of player personnel. During an interview with Windy City Gridiron, Lucas seemed to admit that Fields didn't get along with Foles and Dalton.

"We thought having two vets with him would really help him with Andy and Nick and that was not cohesive at all," Lucas said.

Lucas said the Fields was definitely the best QB on the roster in 2021, but the problem with the situation was that the rookie quarterback wasn't really open to taking any advice from the two veteran quarterbacks.

"The part you don't like about it is that there's a teachable moment in every point of practice," Lucas said. "There's teachable moments in the building during the day, how you carry yourself as a quarterback. There's teachable moments at press conferences. There's teachable moments every snap on Sunday. When you've got two guys that have won as much as Nick and seen as much as Andy, and you don't take that information in, because you're a little standoffish and a little abrasive, you're wasting that opportunity."

Based on what Lucas is saying, it seems the Dalton and Foles were trying to help, but Fields wasn't open to it.
Although they're not teammates anymore, Fields has spoken positively about his relationship with Dalton, so it's very possible that he just didn't get along with Foles for whatever reason.

"He's always been great to me. Always seen the bigger picture, not really getting that confusion," Fields said of Dalton in February 2023, via BearsWire. "Just the situation we were in, not getting in the way with our relationship. Always kept it cordial with me and was kind of a big brother to me."

With Fields currently expected to be the backup in Pittsburgh, it will be interesting to see how he handles working with and possibly learning from Russell Wilson.

Reading through this article I can see Nick Foles/Dalton's perspective because I deal with it constantly with my 17 year old son who is starting to grow up and want to go his own way. There are often times I'm trying to teach my son something, whether it be a verbal lesson, or a physical lesson like using a tool and he just isn't there or buried in his phone while I'm talking.

I'm not going to make this a "get off my lawn, old man yelling moment" but I can say first hand that this generation is horribly addicted to technology (namely phones). Social media is a tool, but like every tool if not used correctly it can be dangerous or useless. My wife and I held out until my son was almost 16 before getting him a phone but when he doesn't listen and we have to take it away from him it is like trying to take heroin from a addict. I can only imagine how hard it is trying to get a spoiled young athlete, that was just handed millions of dollars, to actually take advice. We can only hope that Fields now being 25, will finally grow out of this phase and realize that older players aren't nagging but there to help.

[pczach]

Interesting read ...


Original source CBS Sports


Reading through this article I can see Nick Foles/Dalton's perspective because I deal with it constantly with my 17 year old son who is starting to grow up and want to go his own way. There are often times I'm trying to teach my son something, whether it be a verbal lesson, or a physical lesson like using a tool and he just isn't there or buried in his phone while I'm talking.

I'm not going to make this a "get off my lawn, old man yelling moment" but I can say first hand that this generation is horribly addicted to technology (namely phones). Social media is a tool, but like every tool if not used correctly it can be dangerous or useless. My wife and I held out until my son was almost 17 before getting him a phone but when he doesn't listen and we have to take it away from him it is like trying to take heroin from a addict. I can only imagine how hard it is trying to get a spoiled young athlete, that was just handed millions of dollars, to actually take advice. We can only hope that Fields now being 25, will finally grow out of this phase and realize that older players aren't nagging but there to help.

I have no idea if that is true or not, but it sounds possible.

I certainly hope this report isn't true. It is very disappointing and a very bad sign that Fields just doesn't get it.

Maybe Foles didn't coddle him. Maybe he was very blunt about things and it turned Fields off, but Fields needs to handle things better in that situation. Fields is the only one in the room that doesn't know what he is doing. The QBs that get it are like a sponge and take advantage of all the experience and knowledge in the room.

In regard to your son, sometimes that maturity comes with age. We all know that sometimes a message coming from a parent is taken as trying to control them. Hearing it from other people on their own terms sometimes works best.

My youngest is 24 and he still ignores some of my advice.

My oldest son is 37 with a wife and child, and he tells me how he now understands everything I used to say to him when he was younger.

Let's hope Fields has gotten some perspective with age and has figured out that there is much to learn.

[86WARD]

This is one of those stories that is probably 100% true. Just because Fields wears a Steelers uniform now doesn’t mean he never disliked Nick Foles.

This is a kid that’s been handed everything in a gold platter…was catered to his entire life. Received millions of dollars and fame. In his mind, “Nick Foles” isn’t teaching him anything…

[Steeler-in-west]

At least he's just a backup. If his attitude is less than ideal don't extend him. Its looking more and more like were going to go QB in the first round again soon.

[Mojouw]

Wait. So teams trade players for tangible reasons?

Nah.

[Dwinsgames]

People often learn from their mistakes , if this is true perhaps having the rug pulled out from under him in Chicago was a come to Jesus Moment and he has had a large slice of humble Pie and realizes hard work is the only way to reach his goals and being a sponge is part of that

[Mojouw]

Teams trade and decline to resign players for a reason. Sometimes money. Sometimes on field results.

Fields it is clearly on field results. Most have assumed due to poor coaching and lack of support. This report indicates it could also be that Fields is a dingus.

Guess we will find out.

[Edman]

The Steelers are starting a guy who wasn't exactly the most beloved player in his prior stop and are willing to pay the rest of his salary just to not deal with him anymore. Not casting any stones on Fields.

Let's just say there's a reason why the Steelers got both of them for virtually nothing and are not committing to either beyond this year.

2025 needs to be invested into a QB.

[steelcityboyz]

Oopps, another Kenny Pickett.

[hawaiiansteeler]

Oopps, another Kenny Pickett.

Wonder what posters here on this board think about Kenny Pickett?

Maybe we should start a new thread to find out...

[fansince'76]

I dunno, I think at this point of things, I'm willing to give Fields the benefit of the doubt for a couple of reasons.

For one thing, the Bears haven't had anyone who could remotely be considered a franchise QB since the 1940s. That team is the closest thing to QB kryptonite the NFL has.

Secondly, since catching lightning in a bottle over a 6-game stretch 6+ years ago as a backup QB on a very talented Eagles team, what exactly has Foles done?

After all, "Moonball" Joe Flacco was named Super Bowl MVP once upon a time too...

[Voice of Reason]

The Steelers are starting a guy who wasn't exactly the most beloved player in his prior stop and are willing to pay the rest of his salary just to not deal with him anymore. Not casting any stones on Fields.

Let's just say there's a reason why the Steelers got both of them for virtually nothing and are not committing to either beyond this year.

I've been saying this since the deals happened, and have been accused of hating the Steelers.

[hawaiiansteeler]

I've been saying this since the deals happened, and have been accused of hating the Steelers.

I don't think you hate the Steelers.

I can tell you're a fan

[Voice of Reason]

I don't think you hate the Steelers.

I can tell you're a fan

That's because you're smarter than a few other guys on here.

[EzraTank]

I dunno, I think at this point of things, I'm willing to give Fields the benefit of the doubt for a couple of reasons.

For one thing, the Bears haven't had anyone who could remotely be considered a franchise QB since the 1940s. That team is the closest thing to QB kryptonite the NFL has.

Secondly, since catching lightning in a bottle over a 6-game stretch 6+ years ago as a backup QB on a very talented Eagles team, what exactly has Foles done?

After all, "Moonball" Joe Flacco was named Super Bowl MVP once upon a time too...

I think it could easily be both the Bears sucking at developing QB's and Fields immaturity. Like I said in the original post, I hope that a 25 year old Fields is much different than a 22 year old Fields that was handed the starting job and millions of dollars.

This year will be interesting. Since they didn't pick up Fields 5th year option, they must have a plan to use him, but how? What happens if Fields lights up preseason and beat Wilson out? In a way I kind of hope that happens because at least we will get to evaluate what he brings to this new offense vs Wilson. We all know what Wilson WAS capable of and at 35 (turning 36 in November) Wilson is not the future. But on the contrary if Wilson wins the job and Fields doesn't play much or at all then why even trade for him?

[86WARD]

I dunno, I think at this point of things, I'm willing to give Fields the benefit of the doubt for a couple of reasons.

For one thing, the Bears haven't had anyone who could remotely be considered a franchise QB since the 1940s. That team is the closest thing to QB kryptonite the NFL has.

Secondly, since catching lightning in a bottle over a 6-game stretch 6+ years ago as a backup QB on a very talented Eagles team, what exactly has Foles done?

After all, "Moonball" Joe Flacco was named Super Bowl MVP once upon a time too...

Why take a “shot” at Nick Foles? It’s not like he’s the one saying this…

[fansince'76]

Why take a “shot” at Nick Foles? It’s not like he’s the one saying this…

Since he's automatically being deferred to by the article as a former Super Bowl MVP which was more the result of absolute dumb luck than anything else. Hell, he didn't even play last year.

It wasn't exactly like Fields was being tutored by Joe Montana and Steve Young while he was in Chicago.

[Steeler-in-west]

I dunno, I think at this point of things, I'm willing to give Fields the benefit of the doubt for a couple of reasons.

For one thing, the Bears haven't had anyone who could remotely be considered a franchise QB since the 1940s. That team is the closest thing to QB kryptonite the NFL has.

Secondly, since catching lightning in a bottle over a 6-game stretch 6+ years ago as a backup QB on a very talented Eagles team, what exactly has Foles done?

After all, "Moonball" Joe Flacco was named Super Bowl MVP once upon a time too...

Im willing to see what he can do also, for a season. Even if he doesn’t play much his attitude and relation to other players should be apparent. Maybe he’s on his best behavior to get that extension but i guess we have to roll with that and maybe pickup a first round Qb (trade up)? in addition.

we’ve been trading castoff Qb’s with the bears for years: Tomczak, Mitch, Kordell, now fields. Maybe we’ll get it right eventually.

don’t forget about Jim Mcmahon, he was definitely a franchise Qb by rights anyway, if injuries didn’t cut his career short.

[Dwinsgames]

I think it could easily be both the Bears sucking at developing QB's and Fields immaturity. Like I said in the original post, I hope that a 25 year old Fields is much different than a 22 year old Fields that was handed the starting job and millions of dollars.

This year will be interesting. Since they didn't pick up Fields 5th year option, they must have a plan to use him, but how? What happens if Fields lights up preseason and beat Wilson out? In a way I kind of hope that happens because at least we will get to evaluate what he brings to this new offense vs Wilson. We all know what Wilson WAS capable of and at 35 (turning 36 in November) Wilson is not the future. But on the contrary if Wilson wins the job and Fields doesn't play much or at all then why even trade for him?

because he is an X factor kind of guy who doesn't cost a lot to be the backup and we paid less for him than the Eagles paid for our last guy

[DesertSteel]

I don’t think the Bears moved on from Fields because he disliked Nick Foles lol.

[86WARD]

Since he's automatically being deferred to by the article as a former Super Bowl MVP which was more the result of absolute dumb luck than anything else. Hell, he didn't even play last year.

It wasn't exactly like Fields was being tutored by Joe Montana and Steve Young while he was in Chicago.

Thing is Nick Foles is probably waaaaaay more knowledgeable about how the NFL works…I’d bet anything on the planet that he could teach Justin Fields more than just a thing or two. Much more…

Just because he’s not the most talented QB and fell into a Super Bowl, doesn’t mean he’s not knowledgeable. Look at Dan Orlovsky. Not a lot of talent but the guy knows the game of football and could probably teach Fields more than a thing or two. There’s a reason Foles keeps winding up on rosters as a back up. He knows the game.

[El Kabong]

But on the contrary if Wilson wins the job and Fields doesn't play much or at all then why even trade for him?

Because we needed a good backup QB once Pickett was traded. Because we're hoping Fields can be our QB of the future once Wilson retires.

[feltdizz]

Thing is Nick Foles is probably waaaaaay more knowledgeable about how the NFL works…I’d bet anything on the planet that he could teach Justin Fields more than just a thing or two. Much more…

Just because he’s not the most talented QB and fell into a Super Bowl, doesn’t mean he’s not knowledgeable. Look at Dan Orlovsky. Not a lot of talent but the guy knows the game of football and could probably teach Fields more than a thing or two. There’s a reason Foles keeps winding up on rosters as a back up. He knows the game.

I think if Dan was really good he would be a coach. Talking about the game and coaching someone about the game are 2 totally different things.

Foles giving tips to Fields could be like Trubisky giving tips to Kenny. Worthless

[86WARD]

That’s not true. Talking gig is way less stressful than a coaching gig and sometimes just as lucrative. Just look at Cowher…he could still probably get a coaching job if he wanted to but he opted for the easier, less stressful gig.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Thing is Nick Foles is probably waaaaaay more knowledgeable about how the NFL works…I’d bet anything on the planet that he could teach Justin Fields more than just a thing or two. Much more…

Just because he’s not the most talented QB and fell into a Super Bowl, doesn’t mean he’s not knowledgeable. Look at Dan Orlovsky. Not a lot of talent but the guy knows the game of football and could probably teach Fields more than a thing or two. There’s a reason Foles keeps winding up on rosters as a back up. He knows the game.

Sure, Foles has experience and knowledge to pass along to a then rookie in Fields, but a big part of coaching is how the coaching (message) is delivered, not just the info being delivered.

If Foles rubs somebody the wrong way, they are less likely to listen to him. I am sure there are some posters here that I skim by their posts, based upon past content and tone of their posts and same with me.

The article is trying to paint Fields as a guy that doesnt take coaching from players well. So maybe he just preferred to listen to his coaches, or maybe what Foles was saying to him was contradictory to what he was coached the past 8 years of his life as a QB from youth football, highschool, college? I think we will see him progress with a fresh start in Pittsburgh and Tom Arth - Mike Sullivan coaching him up.

I honestly think that Fields can be the future QB for the Steelers for a long time if that is something that he wants.

[Mojouw]

All of these “reports” come out for a reason.

Trash Wilson? Likely either Sean Peyton or Pickett trying to make themselves look good.

Trash Fields? Likely someone I. Chicago trying to rehab their tarnished reputation to get another job in the league.

Truth likely lies somewhere in the middle.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

All of these “reports” come out for a reason.

Trash Wilson? Likely either Sean Peyton or Pickett trying to make themselves look good.

Trash Fields? Likely someone I. Chicago trying to rehab their tarnished reputation to get another job in the league.

Truth likely lies somewhere in the middle.

I dont think that is all of it. Nobody is going to trash a guy while he is still their 1st round QB in year 3 of his rookie deal. But when he is gone then sometimes ex front office guy might just speak the truth of the situation.

[Steeler-in-west]

I have a hunch if it starts to click for him this year and he starts learning to read defenses, the bad attitude difficult personality rumors - even if true - wont be that important. Rivers was an ahole but he produced. This is assumming he gets a chance to play. I hope he doesnt - cause we have a much better chance of success if Wilson stays on the field.

[Mojouw]

I dont think that is all of it. Nobody is going to trash a guy while he is still their 1st round QB in year 3 of his rookie deal. But when he is gone then sometimes ex front office guy might just speak the truth of the situation.

I don’t totally disagree. The harsh reality is Fields still has some of the same defects in his game he had coming out of college. He’s not progressing in many ways. At some point that’s not coaching, mentoring, or the system. That’s just a flawed player.