With two preseason games in the books, it’s clear to the naked eye that rookie Justin Fields has played better than greasy starter Andy Dalton. While there are many concerns about the attack, the Bears have seemed more efficient with Fields in the center, and he has the tools to counter some offensive shortcomings and bring Matt Nagy’s boring offense to life.
But, as we know after three years, Nagy is as stubborn as they sell. So when Nagy reiterated that Dalton would be the starter of Week 1, it wasn’t exactly a surprise. But it was certainly not the right answer.
It wasn’t just Nagy’s refusal to consider Fields, but it was the reason he believes Dalton is the best option right now.
“We have to see him in the regular season,” Nagy told reporters after Saturday’s 41-15 loss to the Bills.
And Nagy has received a lot of criticism for his comments.
Mitchell Schwartz, a former right-wing director, said some harsh words to his former offensive coordinator about Nagy’s reasoning for having to value Dalton in the regular season.
“If you are not able to evaluate them after a month of camp, three pre-season games and a few more weeks of training, I don’t know what to tell you. This explains to his team that any “competition” on the field was not in vain and that their preconceived depth chart is what they stick to, not merit. “
If you’re not able to evaluate them after a month of camp, three preseason games, and a few more weeks of practice, I don’t know what to tell you. This tells your team that any “competition” on the field was not in vain and that their preconceived depth chart is what they stick to, not merit. https://t.co/IjFzT0i0fR
– Mitchell Schwartz (@ MitchSchwartz71) August 21, 2021
Undoubtedly, there is a possibility that Nagy has a cautious angle with Fields and does not want to throw it to the dogs during Sunday Night Football, especially with big worries on the offensive line.
And while Schwartz acknowledges the possibility, he questions how Nagy is doing things.
“It simply came to our notice then. But you need to correct your way of doing it. It’s a pretty straightforward thing: “We have to see him in the regular season.” Don’t say things like that. The implication is that it can’t be properly explored through an entire training camp, which is ridiculous. “
And it’s okay if that’s the goal. But you need to correct your way of doing it. It’s a direct quote: “we have to see him in the regular season.” Don’t say things like that. The implication is that it can’t be properly explored across an entire training camp, which is ridiculous.
– Mitchell Schwartz (@ MitchSchwartz71) August 22, 2021
While Schwartz remains a free agent, he does not appear to be interested in signing with the Bears, given his disagreement over how Nagy’s management matters.