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Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields carries the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, September 19, 2021 in Chicago. (AP Photo / David Banks)
CHICAGO (AP) – Justin Fields got his first extended look as a pro. And it could be a long term arrangement.
Fields played the second half after Andy Dalton left with a knee injury against his former team, and the rookie quarterback used Chicago’s stellar defensive performance to lead the Bears to a 20-17 victory over Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.
Roquan Smith returned a 53-yard interception for his first career touchdown, one of three straight picks thrown by Burrow and four back-to-back takeaways for the Bears during the breakout streak of their first win of the season.
Fields took over in Chicago’s last practice in the second quarter after appearing in a handful of games before that. But the biggest key for the Bears was the defense that rebounded after being taken down by Matthew Stafford in a season opener loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
“I don’t think I’m happy with the way I played at all” Fields said after throwing 60 yards. “I think there is a lot more to me that I need to show. I know there will come a time. I know it won’t happen overnight, so I’m going to keep fighting. No matter what, I know I was made for it. I’m supposed to be here.
Dalton was injured on a 14-yard rush early in the second quarter. Fields took the last three shots of this possession.
Dalton was in the next move, before Fields led Chicago’s final halftime. Dalton made a few warm-up shots at halftime, but did not return to the game.
Coach Matt Nagy has said Dalton is available in an emergency. He also said he was “pretty sure” Dalton did not have a serious ACL injury, although the quarterback was due for further examination in the coming days.
But would Dalton start if he was able or Fields?
“I’m not going to get into all of this” Nagy said.
The Bears led 20-3 before Burrow threw a 42-yard touchdown pass to Ja’Marr Chase. Fields was then intercepted at Chicago 25 by Logan Wilson, who made it to 7. Burrow hit Tee Higgins for a 7-yard touchdown in the next play, reducing him to 20-17 with 3:39 remaining. But the Bears held on for their third straight victory over Cincinnati (1-1).
Fields, who made five games in Game 1, completed just 6 of 13 assists. The No. 11 draft pick also ran for 31 yards.
“I just can’t wait to see what I missed and what I need to do better” said Champs. “I didn’t play well in my eyes.”
If it’s the starter?
“I’ll be ready” said Champs.
Dalton, facing his former team for the second time in as many seasons, threw a touchdown pass to Allen Robinson. The triple Pro Bowler, who led Dallas to a victory at Cincinnati last year, completed 9 of 11 passes for 56 yards.
Robinson caught his 40th career touchdown when he landed an 11-yard shot in the game’s first possession.
Robert Quinn had two sacks, giving him 2 1/2 this season after he had just two last year.
FOLLOWING
Bear: Visit Cleveland on Sundays.
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