Justin Fields’ performance in the preseason has generated plenty of conversation around who should be the Bears’ starting quarterback — Fields or Andy Dalton.
While Matt Nagy reiterated his stance that Dalton will be the starter come Week 1, it’s hard to deny that Fields looks like the better quarterback on the field and gives the Bears the best chance to win. More than that, Fields looks ready.
There are several reasons why Nagy might be hesitant to start Fields so soon, including the fact the Bears face the Rams on Sunday Night Football in Week 1.
Good Morning Football‘s Kyle Brandt — a noted Bears fan — isn’t a fan of the idea the Bears should wait to start Fields because he’d have to face arguably the league’s most ferocious defender in Aaron Donald.
I’ll let him explain:
“First, there’s no hiding from players in the NFL,” Brandt said. “Second of all, you don’t pluck this guy from Division III and he’s never seen an athlete before. He’s played the highest level of the sport at the amateur level. And (third) of all, you’re going to play the Browns in Week 3. Do you have to hide him from Myles Garrett, too? At what point does it end?
“If he’s ready — I don’t care if Aaron Donald is the best player in the universe — you get him out there. Stop with that nonsense, weak stuff. He’s the guy, and I hate that he’s not been given the opportunity to prove it.”
Listen to what @KyleBrandt had to say about Justin Fields current situation.
Perfectly said. 👏🏼pic.twitter.com/fqakibbhGe
— BFR (@BearsFilmRoom) August 23, 2021
My least favorite Justin Fields take: “Can’t expose him to Aaron Donald Week 1.”
Whatever. No hiding from players in NFL. Donald is different, but Fields has seen great talents before.
Bears play Browns Week 3. Do you have to hide him from Myles Garrett too? Stop.
— Kyle Brandt (@KyleBrandt) August 23, 2021
Brandt has a great point: there’s no ideal time to sub in a rookie quarterback. But if Fields is ready — as he’s looked to be during these first two preseason games — what’s the holdup?
The answer, of course, is Nagy, who is determined to follow his plan and rest Fields while Dalton starts. But you have to wonder how long Nagy’s willing to follow that plan if Dalton gets off to a rough start.
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