Head coach Matt Nagy didn’t deviate from the team stance even after the draft. As tone-deaf as that infamous “QB1” tweet about Andy Dalton was, it spoke the truth. The Chicago Bears enter this stretch of 2021 with plans for him to be the starter. Is Justin Fields the future? Of course. That being said, Nagy understands there is a significant benefit to giving a rookie QB time to sit and learn on the sideline.
There are plenty of examples. Patrick Mahomes is the most obvious. Carson Palmer and Donovan McNabb being others. While Fields was tremendous at Ohio State, the NFL is a different speed and complexity than college. A few extra weeks or months to absorb it without taking the hits can only benefit him in the long run. This is why the Bears seem more than content keeping the 11th overall pick bubble wrapped for later.
What people want to know is whether this plan could change.
If Fields were to enter training camp and the preseason and outperform Dalton from the jump, would the Bears stick to the plan or would they consider starting the rookie right away? Jeremy Fowler of ESPN mentioned this on SportsCenter. From what he understands, the coaches have left the door wide open for Fields to make a statement. They remain comfortable going with Dalton, but if the rookie shows them he’s ready? Then don’t be surprised if Fields is out there against the Rams on opening night.
“Now, if Fields is just undeniable over the next three to four months in training camp, they’re not going to just sit him just for fun or posterity just to play the veteran. So they’re going to give him the best chance, but they’re OK sitting Fields if Dalton has a good grasp on the job and they feel like they can win with him. So, they believe they’re going to be better regardless. It just depends on whether Fields is ready Week 1.”
This is the correct way to approach the situation. Nagy has one overriding responsibility as head coach. That is to play the best players. As much as he may wish to give Fields time, the fact is it would be irresponsible of him to start Dalton if the rookie clearly outperforms him. That would go against the message he’s championed for years about embracing competition.
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Justin Fields has no plans to wait
While the rookie made it clear he accepts any plan Nagy and the coaches have for him, his primary goal remains the same. To win that starting job. He feels that is the job of every player on the roster. To do everything in their power to become a starter. While he understands Dalton is more experienced, it changes nothing. Fields will do everything in his power to ensure he is the one trotting onto that field four months from now.
Is that unfair to Dalton? Not at all. This is the business of the NFL. The Bears promised he’d have the chance to start here. That promise has not changed. By that same token, it doesn’t mean he shouldn’t have to earn it. If he truly thinks he deserves to be the starter for this team, then he should be fine with competing against Justin Fields. If he can’t hold off a rookie, that says everything the Bears need to know.
That he doesn’t deserve to start.
It is no reason to complain. Dalton is getting $10 million either way. He was also promised 1st-team reps when training camp begins. If despite all these advantages he still can’t hold off Fields? Then he has nobody to blame but himself. Chicago is under no obligation to cater to his personal wishes. It is a business and you’re only as good until they find somebody better.