The Chicago Bears play a preseason game this week, and I am more excited than I should admit to being right now. We haven’t seen the Bears suit up in 212 days, so excuuuuuuse me for being antsy just four sleeps before their first game in seven months.
And, now, we’re beginning to get an inkling of what Saturday’s playing time allotment will look like:
Bears starters expected to play a couple series on Saturday against the Dolphins in their first preseason game.
— Mark Grote (@markgrotesports) August 10, 2021
Shouldn't expect a lot of time for #Bears starters on Saturday. Per Matt Nagy the 'general plan' is usually one to two series.
That means more time for Justin Fields on Saturday.
— Zack Pearson (@Zack_Pearson) August 10, 2021
Matt Nagy remains emphatic that Justin Fields is in line to get a lot of work in preseason games, including Saturday at home vs. MIA. Nagy, of course, will assess the health and stability of the OL when finalizing the Fields plan.
— Dan Wiederer (@danwiederer) August 10, 2021
Playing starters for a few series checks out. Get the new guys some burn with their new teammates. Allow Andy Dalton to link up with Allen Robinson II and Darnell Mooney for some game-speed reps. Give David Montgomery some carries. Use Cole Kmet between the 20s to see how you like it. Let Sean Desai get an opportunity to see what the makings of a top-10 defense can do for a few drives.
And then the Justin Fields Show can begin.
Let’s be honest with each other. Fields is the reason we’re tuning in (or attending the game) on Saturday afternoon. Everyone wants to see the how the Bears’ prized rookie fares in his first live-game action. Moreover, it sounds like Head Coach Matt Nagy will oblige by giving Fields ample time. That is, of course, if everything goes to plan. Because I can imagine Nagy pulling back if things go off script and an already decimated offensive line loses more members. But we’ll cross that bridge when we get there. In the meantime, I’m imagining Fields playing a healthy chunk of the game after Dalton leaves, but before Nick Foles auditions for the Colts enters.
I’m sure we’ll all do our best to come through with measured takes no matter what happens. Or maybe we won’t, as we decide to live in the now because moments are fleeting. Whatever the case, it’s worth noting that NFL Network will simulcast Saturday’s Bears-Dolphins tilt LIVE! And they’re not even hiding as to why the network has chosen to spotlight this game:
Saturday's preseason game between the #Bears and #Dolphins will be available nationally on NFL Network.
The NFL's release included Fields in the headline and says "rookie quarterback Justin Fields and the Chicago Bears hosting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and the Miami Dolphins."
— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) August 10, 2021
In other words, we’re not alone in looking forward to seeing Fields in action. Not that we can blame anyone.