NEWSLETTER
Matt Nagy’s preseason playing time plan has long figured to give Justin Fields ample reps during the Bears’ exhibition games.
And now, we have an even better idea of what it looks like:
Nagy also adds that there is a good possibility that Fields plays with some of the starters on Saturday.
That must play out, though. It depends on what Andy Dalton does on the Bears’ first possession.
— Adam Jahns (@adamjahns) August 12, 2021
Tell me you’re thinking about starting Fields in the opener, without telling me you’re thinking about Fields starting in the opener. 😏
So, not only is the plan to get Fields as many game reps as possible by playing him into the fourth quarter, Nagy relays there is a real possibility that the QB1-of-the-future gets to play with starters at some point during the game. The Bears head coach hedges by saying it depends on what happens with what Andy Dalton does in his first preseason game reps. But still … a non-zero chance is greater than none. It’s simple math, my friends.
The plan has always been to start Dalton from the get-go. And while I can speak only for myself, I’ve grown comfortable with the idea of Dalton beginning the year as QB1 based on what I’ve seen from him in training camp practices and Family Fest, as well as what has been reported by beat writers who have had eyes on him throughout. But it makes sense that, at some point, Nagy will want to get his prized prospect in with the regulars. So don’t go reading this thinking Fields will usurp Dalton’s starting spot based on one preseason game. However, it’s OK to allow yourself to dream on bigger things down the line. Nagy so much as hinting at Fields working with the starters in a game setting allows for that.
