Patrick Mahomes is working tirelessly to get back for Week 1. After suffering a knee injury late last season, the star quarterback was already able to do some on-field work during OTAs. But what if he is not ready in time? Or if the Chiefs decide to take a cautious approach, how should expectations be adjusted if Justin Fields is forced to step in?
Fields has plenty of experience. His mobility and ability to extend plays are certainly areas where he can succeed. The development as a passer has never fully materialized, however. In Kansas City, Andy Reid has generally had success with quarterbacks who can tap into the scramble game. That is where Fields becomes a better fit with the Chiefs than he might be with many other teams as a backup this season.
Mobility and extension of run game is where to watch for Fields
What would Fields look like if thrust under center? For starters, there are a variety of options for Kansas City when it comes to personnel and formations. Fields can play from under center, and he is also comfortable operating from the shotgun. The Chiefs could even get creative with pistol formations in an effort to stress opposing defenses.
Beyond where Fields aligns, Kansas City has opportunities to vary its offensive approach by spreading formations out or keeping them compact. New starting running back Kenneth Walker III is expected to elevate the team's ability to run between the tackles. With Fields, the Chiefs would have a rare opportunity to blend his running style with Walker's and create additional stress points for defenses.
For instance, running true option looks with reading defensive ends or outside linebackers is an area where it is easy to envision Reid attacking. If Fields is active—or even comes in for a package of snaps while Mahomes is active—the option game is worth utilizing. Do not rule out the Chiefs borrowing more college-style run concepts to maximize Fields' skill set, either.
Chiefs' run after catch game could suit Fields as passer
As a passer, Fields has displayed comfort and confidence operating on rollouts and from a moving pocket. Kansas City has not hesitated to incorporate those elements with Mahomes in the past. During some of his most successful stretches as the Pittsburgh Steelers' starting quarterback, Fields improved his accuracy when throwing on the move.
Fields is not afraid to attack the outside areas of the field. He is also willing to work the middle, something not every mobile quarterback does comfortably. Consistent accuracy remains a major hurdle, but Fields can deliver both velocity and touch to all levels of the field when he is in rhythm.
It is not as though the Chiefs have thrived in the deep passing game over the last few years anyway. If Fields is forced into action, one could argue that Kansas City's history of creating run-after-catch opportunities suits him well. Fields is generally at his best when getting the ball out quickly. When he is forced to hold it longer, things can become more erratic, both as a passer and a decision-maker. Overall, Fields is best served by quick dropbacks and concepts that force defenses to move laterally.
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