Matt Nagy is a pragmatist. He always tries to do what is best for the Chicago Bears. Even if that means it’s something he might not be personally thrilled about. The biggest example of this was offensive play calling. As things continued to sputter last season, Nagy decided to try something different and handed the call sheet to offensive coordinator Bill Lazor. After some initial bumps, the team seemed to find a rhythm by scoring at least 25 points in five of their final six regular season games.
So when the Bears signed Andy Dalton as a free agent back in March, it was a safe assumption Lazor would remain the one calling the plays. The two had a history in Cincinnati together and had some success. It seemed like the obvious course of action. Then in early April, Nagy dropped a miniature bomb. He would resume play calling duties for the 2021 season.
A surprising reversal.
This was the first indication that Nagy’s decision to give up the call sheet in the first place wasn’t entirely voluntary. It was more a product of outside pressure mixed with a need to try anything different to spark the offense. One other thing it proves is that Nagy never felt he was the primary issue. It was more the quarterbacks. Being saddled with Mitch Trubisky, Chase Daniel, and Nick Foles for three years wasn’t easy.
Now he has two legitimate starter-level talents in Dalton and Justin Fields. In his mind, the system should work properly now. Yet things are rarely that simple in the NFL. Nagy still has to answer for a lot of the other issues that can’t be blamed on the QB. The questionable calls in short yardage. A persistent lack of commitment to running the ball. Last but not least? His baffling personnel usage at times.
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Matt Nagy is somehow unselfish but still has an ego
While he will do whatever is necessary to win football games, he’s also shown that calling plays is something he is reluctant to give up. It feels like a question of control. Nagy’s system worked brilliantly in Kansas City. He knows that when executed properly, it can do the same in Chicago. That is why he was so reluctant to surrender play calling in the first place. From his perspective, it was a question of poor personnel and execution.
Yet Matt Nagy can’t hide from reality. His offense has been a major disappointment for most of the time he has run it dating back to 2018. It has never finished in the top 20 in total yards and only once in points scored. That time was aided by a ridiculous number of defensive turnovers and five defensive touchdowns. He hasn’t really done anything to justify confidence that he can finally get things turned around in 2021.
That is why his decision is even more confusing.
All it does is put added pressure on the head coach. Remember that Nagy is supposedly on the hot seat this year. He could’ve avoided some of the spotlight by leaving the offense in Lazor’s hands. Instead, he put the microscope right back on himself. If things go wrong again? A huge share of the blame will fall on his shoulders. It feels like such an unnecessary gamble. One he better hope pays off.
