As usual, both quarterbacks were center stage. All eyes were on veteran Andy Dalton and rookie Justin Fields, whom each played on Saturday.
For those who watched, it was Fields who took the majority of snaps and put on a phenomenal display during his pro debut. Dalton, meanwhile, played just two series which ended with 3-and-outs.
During Monday’s practice, each quarterback had their share of mishaps. However, it was Dalton who saw the most mistakes — two interceptions, in particular.
Chicago Bears veteran Andy Dalton better be careful, or these practices will eventually lead to him losing his job.
Jaylon Johnson picks off Andy Dalton again on a deep attempt in the end zone intended for Marquise Goodwin. Good play on the ball by Johnson in the air. #Bears
— Zack Pearson (@Zack_Pearson) August 16, 2021
Early on in practice, Dalton was picked off by second-year cornerback Jaylon Johnson, who made a nice play to undercut wide receiver Darnell Mooney and come away with the football. Later on, as you can see above, Johnson took it away on a deep attempt to Marquise Goodwin, coming up with the football in the end zone.
Fields did have one pick in this practice, featuring corner Teez Tabor. However, some Bears media personnel called it one of the first “bad plays” they had seen from the rookie in camp thus far.
For Dalton, multi-pick practices aren’t uncommon this year. It wasn’t the first one he’s had, and it probably won’t be the last.
Dalton is working against the first team defense, though — something head coach Matt Nagy told reporters that Fields would get a chance to do soon. Although Nagy said this before practice on Monday, Fields wasn’t able to get some reps in with the first team offense in that practice.
If Nagy isn’t careful, he’ll get everybody hyped up for no good reason at all. He stated Fields would get work with the ones, and against the first team defense. So, it better come sooner rather than later.
As for the team’s next preseason game, Fields will hopefully get his shot to go with some of the starters against the Buffalo Bills this Saturday afternoon. If he is able to get work with the ones this week before the team’s second preseason game, then the hope would be he will indeed do so against Buffalo.