Matt Nagy has resisted it for months now. He wanted to adhere to the Kansas City model. Sit the talented rookie behind a savvy veteran. It worked for Patrick Mahomes and Alex Smith. Why not Justin Fields and Andy Dalton? The problem is the situation was always different. Dalton had no prior credibility in the Chicago Bears locker room like Smith. Then he got injured. That allowed Fields to step in and he showed considerable improvement. This on top of how he played in the preseason.
It appears Nagy either finally saw sense or he was pressured by others to stop the madness. On Wednesday morning during his press conference, he made it official. Fields will be the starting quarterback for the Bears moving forward. This despite Dalton returning to practice fully as well. It is a clear statement by the coach and the organization. They’re ready to give the kid the keys.
Coach Nagy announced that Justin Fields will be our starter going forward.
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) October 6, 2021
"This is Justin's time."
— Matt Nagy— Patrick Finley (@patrickfinley) October 6, 2021
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Matt Nagy talked to his bosses and assistant coaches in the last 36 hours, but he was clear that Justin Fields starting was his decision.
— Patrick Finley (@patrickfinley) October 6, 2021
For all the heat Nagy gets, he deserves credit.
He made the right call. Dalton might be more experienced and more efficient right now, but the reality is Fields showed against Detroit that he is more ready than people thought. Four pass plays over 20 yards. All of them incredibly accurate. His poise and calm were evident throughout the game. Not to mention his improvisational skills. He will only get better as he continues to get snaps.
Justin Fields will still have his ups and downs this year. There may be games like the one in Cleveland again. Yet those learning experiences will be important to his development. If the Bears can get him to fully grasp the speed and complexity of the game, there will be no stopping him in this league. His talent is that high. Fans are excited and they have every reason to be. This should be a fun ride.
