Justin Fields should start Week 1 for Bears
The Chicago Bears can delay the inevitable, but they’re only hurting themselves by sitting Justin Fields to start the regular season.
Justin Fields isn’t perfect. He doesn’t read his protection correctly every snap. He often bails the pocket too early. He’ll occasionally force a throw.
None of it matters. When the Bears take on the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday Night Football come Week 1, the Ohio State product should be under center. Fields, despite being green, clearly gives Chicago its best and perhaps only real shot to beat good defenses. Without him, it’s veteran Andy Dalton, a smart quarterback who lacks the arm and mobility to make much happen in today’s game with his eroding skills.
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While Chicago head coach Matt Nagy has been clear that Dalton will start, the proclamation feels forced. The Bears have been touting Dalton as the starter since signing him on a one-year deal in free agency, Â instead of allowing for a genuine competition. The entire situation has Nagy looking like should he go with Fields, he’s. going back on his word. In the NFL, words only mean so much, and with the offensive line being, well, offensive, putting the strong-armed, more mobile quarterback under center is the wise move.
Instead, it appears Chicago will allow Dalton to take on Aaron Donald and the Rams. Of course, anything is possible, but Los Angeles will be a heavy favorite and barring blown coverages or the Rams’ offense making a mess, the Bears will have a tough time putting up points consistently. Dalton doesn’t have the weaponry around him save receiver Allen Robinson, nor does he have a skill set which will keep the Rams from being aggressive.
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Eventually, Fields will play. Dalton isn’t the future, as evidenced by both Fields’ presence and Dalton’s short deal. The veteran will give way to the first-round pick, and when he does, the Bears will begin finding out whether they have the future of their franchise or a project to mold. After watching Mitchell Trubisky go bust, fans in Chicago are undoubtedly excited and yet nervous.
Hopefully soon, the Bears and their fanbase will begin the process of moving into their new era. For that to happen, Dalton must grab a clipboard and a visor, while Fields gets into the action and begins his career.
It won’t be perfect, but Fields’ journey must begin.
