The most disappointing part of Justin Fields’ performance in Week 1

The Chicago Bears got killed in week 1. The defense didn’t look good, but that was expected. The offensive line didn’t look that good, but that was expected. However, Justin Fields looked pretty bad too, and that was not expected.

Yet, for all the things anyone could call out about Justin Fields’ performance and I’m sure there will be lots of it in the coming days, it was his attitude on the sideline that was most disappointing.

On the Fox broadcast, after the Bears got down multiple scores they showed shots of the Bears sideline. Each shot showed the same thing. Players sulking, slouching on the bench, no one talking, no one getting the team going, no one trying to figure anything out and on a day the defense got absolutely shredded, I will give them an ounce of credit for at least looking like they cared the whole way through.

Most noteworthy though of all the sideline shots was the one of Justin Fields. Justin was slouching on the bench, clearly disappointed and in his own head. It makes sense, the game was extremely disappointing, but Justin Fields isn’t just any other player on this team. He’s not just the leader, but also the crowned savior from the fanbase: the first-ever game-changing superstar quarterback for the Chicago Bears.

It is on Justin Fields to keep the team going in the face of adversity, it is on him to put the team on his back when things are rough, and that doesn’t mean with rash decisions on the field (like he did with that pick 6 that iced the game), but rather with his own confidence and belief that the Bears are not out of the game.

Justin Fields’ lack of leadership on the sideline was the most disappointing part of the Chicago Bears’ week 1 loss.

It was disappointing that given Justin Fields’ pedigree of winning throughout his life until he got to the NFL, he isn’t one of the guys leading the charge to change the Bears’ culture. It isn’t just about building a team of the highest quality like the Eagles, 49ers, and yes, the Packers that leads to winning, it’s also about setting the culture. The Packers don’t need Jordan Love to do that because the franchise as an institution exudes it, similar to the Steelers.

However, the Bears are different. the Chicago Bears, for the better part of 3 decades, are perennial losers. The changing of the guard in this division, in this conference, starts with a changing of the culture, and that needs to start with how Justin Fields carries this team.

No matter what the Chicago Bears put around Justin Fields, he will never have the talent advantage week to week that Ohio State had over its opponents, which is what makes these intangibles so important so sought after by NFL front offices.

I have no doubt about Justin Fields’ knowledge of the game, his ability, or even his desire to be great for himself – the stories about him paint that picture enough. However, if any of those goals are to be manifested every Sunday, it’ll begin with him taking more ownership of the attitude and culture of his team.