Matt Nagy can never be called a head coach who lacks self-reflection. Nobody wants to win more than him. So if it’s possible that part of the problem facing his Chicago Bears, then he’s going to figure out why. With the COVID-19 pandemic ongoing, it’s given the third-year coach extra time to evaluate what went wrong in 2019. He came to certain conclusions that seemed quite refreshing to hear during his latest teleconference with the media. Namely a greater understanding of how key the running game is.
However, there was one other controversial decision from last year he acknowledged in hindsight was a mistake. During an interview with Waddle & Silvy on ESPN 1000, Nagy stated frankly that he regretted not playing the starters more during the preseason last August.
“No, you’re right. You’re right. Again, as we talk that’s one of things that I look back at from last year that I’m not happy about that I made a decision to do in the preseason. Number one, I think it’s good for them to have it, but number two it sets the mentality. So that’s not going to happen this year.”
It’s well-known the preseason games don’t matter.
That said, there are many who feel the games serve a purpose. Namely allowing players to test themselves against different competition. A chance to measure where they’re at in terms of development and mental sharpness. Nagy was willing to sacrifice that in order to keep his key players as healthy as possible. That came with a risk though. The possibility of his team coming out of flat to start the season.
Matt Nagy still haunted by the Green Bay game
It’s clear Nagy hasn’t forgotten what happened against the Packers last year. Despite playing at home and with weeks to prepare, the Bears managed just three points. It was an ugly performance. One that set the tone for the entire season. Mitch Trubisky never really found a groove after that. Sources indicated that game really shook his confidence. Not throwing a single pass in the preseason perhaps contributed to how rusty he looked.
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That won’t happen this time. Both he and Nick Foles will see plenty of action this August. Even better they’ll be facing some quality defenses in Cleveland, Denver, San Francisco, and Tennessee. A good opportunity to get a strong evaluation for which is the better choice to start this season. There will be added intrigue in that two of those games will be played at noon. A true rarity as preseasons go for the Bears.
