When the regular season began for the Chicago Bears, the rumors surrounding Justin Fields were pretty consistent. Head coach Matt Nagy had a plan. It was straightforward. To keep the rookie on the bench for as long as possible in order to make sure he is ready when his time to start comes. Andy Dalton would be the starter for the time being. He’s a solid veteran who can keep the offense on track until the time comes.

There is just one problem. In order for people to buy into this plan, Nagy needs two things to happen. He needs Dalton to play well and he needs to win. Neither of those things happened in the season opener against the Los Angeles Rams. Dalton finished with 206 yards, an interception, and a fumble. The offense scored just 14 points. This despite a big night from David Montgomery with 108 yards.

It was a game many felt could’ve been won if they’d finished more drives.

That is where Fields comes into the picture. By the end of training camp and the preseason, there was a genuine buzz coming out of Halas Hall. Several players seemed enamored by the rookie and what he could do. Montgomery himself said he has an “aura” about him. That he’s “special.” It was the first major indication that the locker might feel he should be the one starting. Not Dalton.

A sentiment that has reportedly grown rapidly since last Sunday. SM reported that internal pressure continues to mount on Nagy in regards to his Fields plan. Enough to where the possibility is growing that the rookie will start much sooner than anticipated. Jeff Hughes of Da Bears Blog stated in a recent Twitter thread that a specific date should now be circled.

After the pick happened, the whole tone of the fan base changed. The calls completely stopped. Season ticket interest actually INCREASED.

When that standing O for Fields happened in the preseason, George had tears in his eyes.

(8/12)

— DaBearsBlog (@dabearsblog) September 19, 2021

But then they started getting frustrated with Nagy and Pace. There was no plan for Fields. Or if there was a plan, Nagy and Pace couldn’t articulate it to ownership.

But they continued to trust the guys they kept in the jobs. And kept their frustration pretty quiet.

(9/12)

— DaBearsBlog (@dabearsblog) September 19, 2021

But the tone has shifted. There are MANY people associated with this team – players included – vocalizing the belief that the Bears would be better TODAY with Fields at QB.

And after Sunday night, the vocalizing got louder.

(10/12)

— DaBearsBlog (@dabearsblog) September 19, 2021

Note I received this week suggested Week 4 is now seriously in play. (Especially if things don’t go well today against Cincinnati.)

Same people who didn’t think Fields would play at all in 2021 have dramatically changed their tune.

(11/12)

— DaBearsBlog (@dabearsblog) September 19, 2021

Justin Fields timetable hinges on the Bengals game

A lot of people think there is a serious chance the Bears lose to Cincinnati. Especially after the Bengals stunned Minnesota in overtime last week. They have a young, exciting offense and a seemingly improved defense. If Chicago plays like they did last week, then there is no guarantee they’re going to win. If they don’t and Dalton plays poorly again? The already loud calls for Fields will grow earsplitting.

Starting him in Week 3 wouldn’t make much sense though. It’d be on the road in Cleveland against a really good Browns team that features a dynamite pass rush. Waiting until Week 4 has always seemed logical. It would be at home against a rebuilding Detroit Lions team. A perfect insertion point for Justin Fields.

Nagy no doubt hopes it doesn’t reach that point. Not yet.

It will be fascinating to watch Dalton in this game. He’ll have extra motivation with it being Cincinnati but there is no telling how this will go. If the Bengals drop the Bears to 0-2, the prospects of seeing Fields in the very near future become almost inevitable. Nagy can’t afford to displease ownership. Not with his job still in question after his disappointing 2020. Playing the rookie might be the only way to save his job.