It’s not often that Bill Belichick influences how Chicago Bears fans feel. But today, they certainly do. With news breaking that New England released Cam Newton and named Mac Jones their starting QB, Bears Twitter has been set ablaze.
The difference is Cam SUCKS.
Dalton doesn't.
Question the decision, but it's not the same. https://t.co/uthmr7qHSL
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) August 31, 2021
Might I add:
Jesus, #Bears Twitter.
Not every move around the NFL is some referendum about Andy Dalton.
Cam Newton isn’t vaccinated and had to miss 4 practices because of a testing issue while he was supposed to be fighting for a starting job.— Patrick Finley (@patrickfinley) August 31, 2021
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This does beg the question — what’s with Matt Nagy’s plan to still play Andy Dalton and sit Justin Fields?
We’ll cover that and more in this week’s Bears Mailbag. Follow me on Twitter @DhruvKoul to continue the conversation.
Bears Mailbag
Why is Nagy so stubborn about the QB plan? Doesn’t Fields already give them a better chance to win?
— Joe Barczak (@jtbcubs) August 30, 2021
In preseason, Fields certainly moved the offense better than Dalton did, showed off his terrific physical attributes (strong arm, speed, etc.), and also showed growth in several areas of “playing quarterback.” He commanded the offense, showed poise, kept his eyes downfield in the face of pressure, and showed he is in a better spot with the offense than the coaching staff expected.
All of that is great.
However, Andy Dalton has been no slouch. No, he didn’t play great in the preseason, but Dalton did look good in practices and has shown strong command of the offense and decision making. He has not looked like a first-year QB in this offense.
That said, we won’t really know how these QBs play until the Bears start a) game planning for a specific opponent and b) scheming accordingly. The “actual players” on offense will take the field and the “actual” play calling in this newer scheme will shape up.
Bears fans are excited about Fields, and I get it. But it’s not as simple as “play your 11th overall pick.” Nagy and Ryan Pace need to ensure two things this season:
– Fields is truly developing properly and looks good when he takes the field.
– The Bears are winning.
Nagy cannot afford a dud of a season. The first part will help the second part. And the Bears are desperately avoiding a Miami 2020 situation — they will NOT rotate QBs. Once they roll with Fields, Fields is the guy.
Nagy has to be absolutely sure Fields is ready. Dalton buys them time, as much as fans don’t want to hear it.
(I also want to point out that Dalton will not be some Grade A scrub that fans seem to think he is.)
Unless the Bears are being blown out by 20 each week, Nagy won't get fired in-season.
I understand fans have issues with Nagy's play calling from prior years, but don't let preseason play calls get you riled up. They're testing the roster. The play calls/scheming aren't real.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) August 31, 2021
I still have the Bears at nine wins, with the potential to surprise with 10 or 11. But the offense would *need* to be pulling its weight.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) August 31, 2021
Nagy has covered his intention/ability/plan to run the football at length this offseason.
Their investments in the OL and at RB this offseason show they intend to make good use of their RBs and the run game — even if it's just utilizing PA more.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) August 31, 2021
I don't think we will really know until we see Sean Desai truly game plan/scheme for an appointment. But schematically, you can expect more of a 2018 style of defense, with post-snap rotating safeties and some more classic Fangio stuff.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) August 31, 2021
Neither of those defenses were that dominant; I think this defense has the potential to be better (assuming scheme is better than Pagano's, because the secondary's talent level isn't).
That said, if they can improve their takeway opportunity conversion rate, that'll bode well.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) August 31, 2021
I don't think we will really know until we see Sean Desai truly game plan/scheme for an appointment. But schematically, you can expect more of a 2018 style of defense, with post-snap rotating safeties and some more classic Fangio stuff.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) August 31, 2021
Nick Foles has a lot of leverage in trade talks, so the Bears may be lucky to get much of anything for him. I wouldn't expect a trade.
I'd certainly watch waivers. The Bears are likely to hunt for depth/improvements at CB, OT and WR after 53-man rosters are due tomorrow.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) August 31, 2021
The Bears aren't likely to get a Week 1 starter during final cuts, but they could get some valuable depth — especially considering it's possible they waive Desmond Trufant as well.
One guy to watch? Packers CB Kabion Ento — Green Bay has lots of depth here.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) August 31, 2021
I thought Trevathan played well — it was more about his speed and instinct, both of which he displayed.
Don't be surprised if Trevathan and Ogletree split time this year. Both are solid players.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) August 31, 2021
