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Why did this television announcer say this about Bears’ QB Justin Fields?

Justin Fields Bears NFL Draft
Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) throws the ball during the second quarter of an NFL preseason game against the Titans at Nissan Stadium Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021 in Nashville, Tenn. Titans Bears 081

As someone who worked on the greatest staff in NFL history, there is no question in my mind Justin Fields should be the Bears’ week one starting quarterback. 

However, Bears’ head coach Matt Nagy somehow sees it differently and has decided to start veteran QB Andy Dalton instead, who struggled in Dallas where he went 4-5 as their starter last season. 

To me this is puzzling, especially considering Fields had as good, if not better preseason stats than three other rookie QB’s, also taken in the first round who have been named as starting QB’s. 

QB Trevor Lawrence (Jaguars), QB Zach Wilson (Jets) and QB Mac Jones, are all starting for their respective teams (Jones was taken three picks after Fields ). 

Rookie QB Preseason stats:

  • Lawrence: 31/44 323 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT.
  • Wilson: 15/20, 191 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT.
  • Jones: 26/38, 233 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT. 
  • Fields: 30/49, 276 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT. 

So why is Fields not starting?

Dalton’s preseason stats for Chicago: 13/21, 164 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT.

Clearly, Fields also outplayed Dalton statistically for Chicago during the pre-season. 

Fields also turned in the most dynamic looking play in the league this preseason. It was a play that reminded me of QB Randall Cunningham or QB Michael Vick. It was a play that showed us the type of greatness that is within him. It certainly was the best play of any of the rookie QB’s this preseason. 

However, what does this television announcer mean by what he says during that play?

“Nagy wants Justin Fields to do well, but he doesn’t want him to do too well,” those were the exact words of the television announcer.  

Why does Nagy not want to put the guy under center that gives his team the best chance to win? 

Daniel Kelly is a former NFL scout with the New York Jets. He was hired on the regime which featured Bill Parcells, Bill Belichick, Scott Pioli, Mike Tannenbaum, and Dick Haley. He currently writes for Sports Illustrated Detroit Lions and he is a contributing evaluator for Draft Diamonds. For more information about him visit his website at whateverittakesbook.com. He can be followed on Twitter @danielkellybook and his Facebook page is WHATEVER IT TAKES NFL TALK. 

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