In a decision that many thought would come a whole lot sooner than right now, and in a different manner, the Chicago Bears will finally be rolling with Justin Fields as their starting quarterback in Week 3.
After an injury to veteran Andy Dalton, we waited to hear a firm update this week. Dalton hurt his knee against the Cincinnati Bengals this past Sunday and, after further testing, a bone bruise was confirmed.
Dalton could end up being out for a few weeks, which would certainly give Fields enough time to put a stronghold on the starting job.
This is it. This is what we’ve all been waiting for. It is Fields’ time.
Coach Nagy has announced that Justin Fields will be our starting QB against the Browns.
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) September 22, 2021
In a moment Chicago Bears fans have been waiting for, Justin Fields is officially the team’s starting quarterback.
While most of us didn’t want it to happen this way, the situation is what it is. Some might even call it fate.
Regardless of how it’s happening, it’s finally happening. After an offseason full of Matt Nagy-isms and a whole lot of eye rolling from fans, the best quarterback in a Bears uniform is going to be under center.
The fact of the matter is, Fields is built for the modern day NFL, and that’s why the Bears drafted him. Why Nagy couldn’t start him from the get-go, or why he continued to reiterate that Dalton is his starter when healthy, is one giant, dumb mystery.
But, I think it’s safe to say that once Fields takes over on Sunday, he’s not looking back. This isn’t a guy who is about to let go of the starting job once he’s had a taste of it — nor could Nagy possibly turn back to Dalton once he’s healthy. It simply isn’t in the cards.
The difference with Fields in the game is so stark that even the casual football fan will notice. Plays can be broken so quickly with Dalton, yet when Fields is out there, he can turn nothing into something.
No matter how much Nagy tries to convince himself Dalton will still be his starter once healthy, it won’t matter. I don’t see Fields giving this up. If he plays well enough for the Bears to win games, then he decision will be obvious. Let’s say Fields plays three games and goes 2-1, accounting for six total touchdowns, to be modest, when Dalton comes back. Is Nagy really going to turn back to Dalton?
