The only question that seems to matter for Chicago Bears fans lately is clear. When will Justin Fields become the starter on offense? Head coach Matt Nagy has remained steadfast in that department. The rookie QB will play “when he’s ready.” That is not the answer people want to hear. Nagy though is unmoved. He believes Andy Dalton gives the Bears their best chance to win this season and offers Fields a chance to learn from the safety of the sideline.
A benefit several rookies in the past didn’t get. Still, many remain hopeful that the Fields wait won’t be a long one. Some even believe that this will merely be a repeat of 2017 with Mike Glennon. He starts the season, flounders for a month, and then the young quarterback steps in. Not an unreasonable idea. However, some with connections around the NFL don’t think it’ll go that way. Bill Zimmerman of Windy City Gridiron claims to have spoken with somebody close to the team.
Based on what’s coming out of Halas Hall? Fields won’t see action for a long time.
I have no clue when Justin Fields starts for #Bears. I've said wk 4 vs Det. However, spoke with an insider who spoke to Nagy directly recently and while Nagy gave no indication of a date ("when he's ready"), insider feels it will be a long wait. He predicted wk 15 vs Min. FWIW
— Bill Zimmerman (@BillTZimmerman) September 8, 2021
December. That is when the Bears might finally consider getting the young quarterback some work. Obviously, this comes with a requirement. Dalton can’t stink. As long as he plays decent and stays healthy, the coaches are going to stick with him as the starter. If people weren’t buying how determined Nagy is upon this course before? This should reinforce that in a big way.
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The man has said time and again this process can’t be about 2021 and instant gratification. Yes, people want to see Fields play. He wants that too. However, Nagy continues to reiterate this must be about what’s best for the player and the organization. This is something they want to last 10-15 years. Throwing a quarterback out there too early can lead to disaster. Even one as talented as Fields.
Will the Justin Fields Plan survive the first two months?
Everybody has talked about how brutal the Bears’ schedule is. Most of the pain looks to be centered around September and October. That is when they play the Rams, Browns, Packers, Buccaneers, and Steelers. All playoff teams from last season. All boasting good defenses with strong pass rushers. Is the Bears’ offensive line capable of protecting Dalton through all of that?
Plenty of people don’t think so. Yet the coaches remain optimistic. They feel this offense is more capable than critics think. This despite no evidence to support such a claim. THe only way Nagy can get people to buy into this Justin Fields plan is if Dalton plays well. He has to know that every bad incompletion, fumbles, and interception will be viscerally booed by fans. The shouts for the rookie will be deafening.
This season is a true test of how committed the head coach is to this process.
He has history on his side. Quarterbacks who sit early in this offense tend to do well later. Joe Montana, Steve Young, Donovan McNabb, Aaron Rodgers, and Patrick Mahomes are all examples. The sales pitch is that Fields will reach similar heights. All it requires is a little patience. Asking that of this fanbase after decades of misery at quarterback is bold.