It would be so easy for Andy Dalton and Justin Fields to have immediate tension between each other. The NFL is a competitive business, even when players are on the same roster. Dalton and Fields are vying for the same thing. A desire to be the starting quarterback for the Chicago Bears. This coveted prize has divided teammates many times in the past on other rosters. That doesn’t seem to be the case here.
Both quarterbacks have reiterated that their relationship is cordial and mutually supportive. Dalton is doing everything he can to help teach Fields about the complexities of the NFL. The rookie is also doing what he can to return the favor whenever Dalton may need help. It seems their connection is strong enough to where they have no problem teasing each other.
Matt Nagy provided an example.
During his press conference before practice on Thursday, the head coach was asked what had him the most excited about coaching Fields in regards to the Bears’ rushing attack. Nagy didn’t beat around the bush. With a smirk on his face, he uttered two words. “The 4.4.” Fields turned a lot of heads before the NFL draft in April when he ran a 4.45 in the 40-yard dash at the Ohio State pro day. For an idea? Only one quarterback since 2000 was clocked with a faster time. That was Robert Griffin III.
The best part of all this was Dalton though.
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It’s great to see the 33-year old quarterback has his sense of humor intact. For 10 years Dalton has heard it from critics that he doesn’t have the talent ceiling necessary to be an NFL starter. A big part of that is his lack of mobility. By comparison, he ran a 4.83 in the 40 back in 2011. So yeah, there is a considerable gulf between him and Fields. Hence the joke.
Andy Dalton doesn’t seem to be feeling the pressure
His recent practices prove that. Dalton has delivered some sharp performances over at Halas Hall in the past couple of days. A reminder that he didn’t last this long in the NFL because of his outstanding hair. He went to three Pro Bowls and led his team to the playoffs multiple times in one of the toughest divisions in football. The guy can play a little bit. As emphasized by his multiple deep connections to Darnell Mooney and Marquise Goodwin.
Moonshot. 🎯@andydalton14 ➡️ @Darnell_M1 pic.twitter.com/gjkpAS0Doq
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) July 29, 2021
This is exactly what Nagy wanted. Andy Dalton and Justin Fields pushing each other. Just like what happened in 2017 between Alex Smith and Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City. Everybody knew Mahomes was going to be the guy and Smith helped him along the way. However, the veteran also worked hard to keep him on the bench as long as possible. That season proved to be the best of his career.
Could the same happen for Dalton?
That is certainly the hope and he’s off to a great start. There is a long way to go. It feels like this is something that could be determined by the preseason next month. Something that is almost never the case. Dalton seems up for the challenge and Fields is ready to give him one.