Louis Riddick has been around the NFL for a long time. First as a scout and personnel executive and now as an analyst at ESPN. During that time, he’s built a lot of relationships. One of them is with Matt Nagy. He and the Chicago Bears head coach struck up a friendship when they were both with the Philadelphia Eagles. The two have stayed in contact since then. Riddick has demonstrated a pretty strong understanding of what the Bears have done this offseason.
So when it comes to Nagy’s approach to the ongoing quarterback controversy between Andy Dalton and Justin Fields? He might be more plugged-in than people realize. That is why his comments during a recent episode of Get Up were interesting. After colleague Mike Greenberg said this plan by Chicago was meant to follow the Mahomes Model in Kansas City isn’t the same scenario, Riddick offered his own comments.
He acknowledged the usual explanations.
A desire to do what is best in the long-term both for the Bears and Fields. Not wanting to throw him out there before it’s felt he is ready. However, there was one additional point that might’ve raised some eyebrows. Perhaps an undercurrent of belief that Nagy doesn’t quite trust the surrounding cast enough to support a rookie quarterback.
That comment about knowing the Bears offense isn’t what Kansas City had in 2017 is telling. It’s also true. Especially up front. Four years ago, the Chiefs had a really good offensive line headlined by Pro Bowl tackles Eric Fisher and Mitchell Schwartz. Then throw in Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce, and Kareem Hunt. That group was stacked. The Bears have some good players on offense, but not enough to make one think they can protect a rookie from his own inevitable mistakes.
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Louis Riddick offers an idea of what Nagy is trying to do
It is becoming clearer that the Bears head coach is hoping to delay things until 2022. That is when the team, hopefully, will be in a better position to fortify things around Fields. He’ll have a year of experience under his belt and a better understanding of the offense. By that point, the organization will be able to unload some of their more expensive veterans for necessary cap space. Then they can use that and the draft to build up the offensive line and receiving corps further.
Louis Riddick seems to be hinting at this. Also, don’t forget recent rumors that suggest Fields may not see action until late in the season. Presuming Andy Dalton doesn’t outright stink or get injured. Nagy is committed to this approach. He wants to do this the right way. That means ensuring not just the quarterback but the offense around him is ready.
Whether the rest of the NFL cooperates?
That is the big question. Nagy’s heart is in the right place. Nobody can deny that. He is trying to do what he feels is best for both the player and the organization. A more selfish head coach would be playing the rookie regardless of situation, trying to save his job. Say this for Nagy. At least he keeps his eyes on the big picture.