If you want to be critical of one game, sure Fields wasn't perfect. But I think some are looking at the stat sheet too closely. And I will admit, Dalton looked sharp in his limited play against the Bengals. But if you look at the overall larger picture, It is clear Fields is the much better option in the short term and long term.
My biggest concern entering into the season was how Justin would fare with a patchwork offensive line. But up to this point the OL, while not great, has held up better than most expected. The running game has contributed and we look more balanced than the past few years.
All Fields mistakes weren't concerning to me. He has been playing football his whole life. I have no doubt he will clean up the False starts.
The INT was a great play by the Bengals defender. . He threw to a guy who looked open for most of his route until the last second when the defender drifts back. The play was magnified because it happened on the Bengals side of the field and led to a TD for them. Otherwise, you shrug it off and move on.
The sack fumble doesn't concern me either. Fields will make some spectacular plays moving around the pocket and other times it will be his kryptonite. I'd rather have the potential for him to do something special than take that away from him.
Overall, my thoughts on Fields is that he is a very special player. He is a tick off on a few things, but I chalk that up to a lack of experience and a bit of nerves. Once he becomes more comfortable, from playing more games, he will calm down and start stringing everything together. I think the running game and OL are in good enough shape to put him out there and let him grow. There may be some growing pains, but his ceiling is so much higher than that of Dalton, its worth trying to untap that now.
