It is probably going off tradition at this point. Yet it’s hard to understand why experts are treating the Chicago Bears quarterback position the same way they have the past few years. Even if it’s only on paper, it should be fair to point out the position has improved immensely from 2020. Going from Mitch Trubisky, Nick Foles, and Tyler Bray to Andy Dalton, Justin Fields, and Nick Foles is an upgrade.
Some people think it’s a way bigger upgrade than it gets credit for. Dalton is a three-time Pro Bowler with over 33,000 passing yards in his career. Not to mention four playoff trips. Fields is the 11th overall pick and ridiculous physical talent. Foles is a former Super Bowl MVP who did outduel Tom Brady last year before the offensive line fell apart. Former Bears QB Jim Miller is highly complimentary of the group. So much in fact that he sees them as one of the best in the NFL from top to bottom.
He said as much on Bears All Access.
Top 10 might be arguable but the top 5? That feels like a stretch. Then again with both Deshaun Watson and Aaron Rodgers threatening to not even play in 2021? He might not be so crazy. From a depth perspective, his argument holds plenty of merits. Foles is easily the best #3 quarterback in the NFL. Fields has a case for being the most talented #2. Dalton certainly isn’t a star but has a case for being a top 20 guy.
Miller is obviously biased for the Bears but what he says isn’t entirely unfounded. The quarterback room as a whole has improved. At least from a talent perspective. If Dalton plays up to his level from five years ago and Fields ends up becoming what he should be? This will be remembered as easily the best QB room the organization has ever had.
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Chicago Bears have plenty to sort through
At this point in the offseason, Matt Nagy seems pretty clear on where things stand. Dalton is getting the 1st-team reps. Fields gets the 2nd and Foles the 3rd. That is it. No shifting guys back and forth like last year. There is no direct competition. The Bears are approaching training camp with their plan set. Dalton is the starter unless something unexpected happens. This way the rest of the team isn’t thrown into confusion like last year.
It’s hard to fault this approach. Nagy saw it work before in Kansas City. Give the ball to the proven veteran (Alex Smith) while the talented youngster (Patrick Mahomes) is able to sit and learn on the sidelines. Then when the time is right, had the keys to the kid.
It certainly served the Chiefs well.
Fields couldn’t ask for a better situation with the Chicago Bears. A longtime proven starter like Dalton and a guy who actually won a Super Bowl in Foles? There is so much knowledge to soak up in that room. If Fields is smart enough to pester them with questions, he’ll be ready for just about anything the NFL has to throw at him.