Chicago Bears head coach Matt Nagy is hoping to bring perspective from his Kansas City Chiefs years to the Justin Fields-Andy Dalton quarterback dynamic.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network said he spoke to Nagy after the Bears traded up to select Fields with the No. 11 pick in the 2021 NFL draft. The former Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator told Rapoport he would love Fields to sit and learn and eventually get the baton from Dalton, much as was the case with Alex Smith and Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City.
From NFL Now: The #Bears get their first look at first-round QB Justin Fields, who they hope to bring along slowly. pic.twitter.com/BWw4IBeuRm
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 14, 2021
That strategy paid dividends for the Chiefs, as Mahomes has become one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. Will the same approach bear fruit for the Bears?
There likely won't be a lot of patience should Dalton struggle, especially from the Bears fan base. Chicago has insisted even following the draft the “Red Rifle” is the starter, but fans could be clamoring for a glimpse of Fields' dynamism.
The Bears moved up nine spots to draft Fields for a reason. Chicago has been desperate for a franchise quarterback. Fields showed he could be that kind of guy during his time at Ohio State. The former Buckeyes star can make plays with his arm and had one of the better deep balls in college football. He is equally capable of making throws outside the pocket and getting downhill for chunk yardage on the ground.
Nagy and general manager Ryan Pace do not appear inclined to rush Fields into a starting role. They would rather he get some valuable learning experience and tutelage under Dalton.
However, that could change in a hurry depending on how Fields performs in camp and what Dalton does to start the season.
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