Are Matt Nagy and Ryan Pace prepared to put their futures solely in the hands of Andy Dalton? It certainly seems that way. In their first press conference of the offseason, both men spoke highly of the nine-year veteran. They touted his experience, intelligence, leadership, and decision-making as key factors behind signing him to a one-year, $10 million deal. Pace confirmed that the plans are for him to be the starter in 2021.
So is that the extent of their QB moves this offseason? It certainly doesn’t feel that way. Right now their only backup option is Nick Foles. That doesn’t offer any prospects of a long-term solution at the position. This is why many still believe there is a strong chance the Bears could end up drafting a quarterback later this month. When asked about it, neither man tried too hard to deflect the idea.
Pace stated the situation is perfect for a young QB to step into.
“We have a lot of experience in that room when you look at it now. When you combine Andy and Nick. That’s a lot of games in the NFL. I think it does bode well for a young quarterback to enter that room with the experience of those two guys and some of the accolades they have in our league.”
Nagy stated that one of the big issues about this offseason is evaluations. Normally teams would be able to attend the scouting combine in Indianapolis where several of the top QBs would gather. Instead, due to the pandemic, the combine was canceled. This put much greater emphasis on college pro days when it comes to seeing these kids throw in person. Has that discouraged him from this class? Not at all.
“It’s a challenge, but we look forward to it. There’s a lot of good quarterbacks in this draft.”
The Bears have been exceedingly busy across the country watching quarterbacks. Pace was spotted at the North Dakota State and Alabama pro days, sites of projected 1st round picks Trey Lance and Mac Jones. Quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo was spotted working out Stanford QB Davis Mills and was also in attendance to watch Kellen Mond at Texas A&M. Both are projected to go as early as the 2nd round.
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Matt Nagy and Ryan Pace know this decision carries weight
Especially for Pace. Right now his reputation in regards to the quarterback position can’t get any lower. He paid Mike Glennon starter money. He traded up to draft Trubisky and then he traded for Foles. All of those decisions didn’t just fail. They failed in grand fashion. Nobody believes he has what it takes to properly evaluate and draft somebody at that position.
The hope many have is that Matt Nagy might alter the formula. He’s a former quarterback himself. He has coached the position for years and learned under Andy Reid, one of the best QB evaluators in NFL history. There is evidence to suggest he understand what to look for at the position. His 2017 breakdowns of Trubisky, Deshaun Watson, and Patrick Mahomes were right on the money. He also seemed to have a good feeling Gardner Minshew was better than the 6th round pick he was in 2019.
If Pace listens to him, they may find the right guy.
The GM talks constantly about collaboration and other buzzwords that mean the same thing. Yet his track record doesn’t always reflect this. He famously went over the head of Nagy’s predecessor John Fox in 2017 to take Trubisky. What’s to stop him from doing that again if he falls in love with another prospect? This is why it is difficult to trust they can get this thing right. Still, it sounds like they at least plan to take a swing.
