Bears: Matt Nagy comments on possibility of starting Justin Fields
Matt Nagy went with the now-injured Andy Dalton as the Bears’ starting quarterback but appears to have no problems starting Justin Fields in Week 3.
Justin Fields was not overly impressive in his first extended regular-season action of his rookie year, but Chicago Bears head coach Matt Nagy clearly has great confidence in his first-round pick to deliver should Andy Dalton prove unable to play in Week 3 and beyond.
Bears fans have been desperate to see Fields take the reins under center and got their wish on Sunday, albeit in unfortunate circumstances as Dalton left their win over the Cincinnati Bengals because of a knee injury.
Fields was uneven in relief, finishing six of 13 for 60 yards and an interception, while he also carried the ball 10 times for 31 yards.
Bears: Matt Nagy confident in Justin Fields
The former Ohio State star’s underwhelming display played a role in the Bears’ lead over the Bengals shrinking from 20-3 to 20-17. Though Chicago was able to hang on, Fields was critical of his performance. Per Jeff Dickerson of ESPN, Fields said: “I don’t think I’m pleased with how I played at all. I think there’s a lot more in me that I have to show.”
However, Nagy seemingly believes the 11th overall selection in this year is actually ahead of schedule and would appear to have no problem with Fields getting the start under center next Sunday against the Cleveland Browns if Dalton cannot go.
Nagy, per Jason Lieser of the Chicago Sun Times, said of Fields: “He’s farther along than we thought he’d be at this point… We feel good with him.”
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The Bears do not yet know whether Dalton’s injury is related to his ACL. But, even if Dalton’s absence is only a short one, it could mark the start of the Fields era in Chicago should the young quarterback vindicate his head coach’s confidence with a strong first start.