What does Andy Dalton have on Matt Nagy?
doubledragon
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There is an upraoar about why Chicago Bears head coach Matt Nagy insists in starting Andy Dalton.
Chicago Bears: Justin Fields saga likely to get Matt Nagy fired
Since drafting rookie quarterback Justin Fields back in April, the Chicago Bears have been stuck following an imperfect plan that has many holes to it.
That plan is being drawn out by none other than head coach Matt Nagy, who insists that Fields sit until “he’s ready.”
For right now, it’s Andy Dalton’s team, and has been since the veteran signed in Chicago. Nagy has openly admitted that when Dalton signed with the Bears, he signed knowing he’d be the starting quarterback. It’s almost as if there is some promise between the two of them which Nagy refuses to break.
While promises are meant to be kept, this is one promise that should have never been made in the first place. When the Bears went on to draft Fields, everything about the team’s quarterback landscape changed. Now, Nagy finds himself in some boiling hot water.
Chicago Bears head coach Matt Nagy is now the odds-on favorite to be the first coach fired this season.
It’s only been one week into the 2021 season, and we’re already seeing reports like this. Coaches get fired every year, and sometimes before the season is finished. With the way things are going in Chicago, Nagy’s seat should feel burning hot right about now.
Not only did the Bears get embarrassed by the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday night, but the Fields saga continues to work against Nagy’s favor. Sure, there are issues on defense and within the roster. But, the crux of it all has to do with how he’s handled his rookie quarterback.
By now, almost the entire NFL world is at a loss for words as to why Nagy continues to prolong Fields’ regular season debut. Nagy can use whichever argument he wants, and it will be debunked by some of the most well-known NFL minds out there. Whether he mentions Patrick Mahomes or Aaron Rodgers sitting to begin their career, or speaks more to the faith he has in Dalton, none of it makes sense.
The biggest blow to Nagy’s reputation might have come from within his own organization on Wednesday. Offensive coordinator Bill Lazor was asked about the Fields situation and whether or not he’s ready. Here’s the exchange between Lazor and the media:
When asked why Fields wasn’t getting his chance, Lazor essentially dodged the question while telling the media that Nagy has already explained what “his” plan is for the quarterback.
The fact that Lazor called it “his” plan and not “our” plan speaks volumes. Lazor is basically submitting to Nagy’s plan, since he’s the head coach. He may not be on board with Nagy’s plan, but Lazor is not the boss. Nagy is, and that’s essentially what Lazor was saying right there.
Not only has Lazor come out and thrown subtle shade at Nagy’s plan, but even Marquise Goodwin questioned his head coach after the Rams game. It wasn’t in regards to Fields, but Goodwin told reporters that Nagy’s play-calling played right into the hands of Jalen Ramsey, referring to the fact that Nagy rarely had his receivers run routes deeper than 10-15 yards.
So, within the same week, we have a player and a coach questioning Nagy about two different issues. Again, the most important of them all has to do with Fields and being ready to play. But, the fact that people within the organization are putting Nagy’s coaching into question is a sign that he is absolutely not safe.
Comments
I believe Matt Nagy is the odds on favorite to be the first head coach to be fired.
I remember when there were rumors this past offseason that Russell Wilson might sign with the Bears, and I think fans were less than enthusiastic when it was revealed that Andy Dalton was going to be their quarterback and frankly I don't blame them.
The more I think about this, the more bitter and angry I become, why is Matt Nagy making promises to Andy Dalton?
Interesting take from Kyle Brandt on the situation.
My answer is simple. He sucks. He should have been fired last year or whenever he made that idiotic call to have Trubitsky take a knee rather than have Montgomery run up the middle to get better FG position . You remember right? Montgomery was having a career day and oh yea the kicker missed the FG attempt
Yes, he should have been fired, this situation angers me. You got all these rookie quarterbacks starting in the NFL and Matt Nagy, nope sorry, I promised Andy he would be the starter.
I mean let’s be honest, anyone that signs Andy Dalton for a starting job is a moron. Case closed
anyone that signs Andy Dalton for a starting job is a moron.
I might be confused, but the HC isn't responsible for "signing" anyone, that would be General Manager Ryan Pace and Principal Owner Virginia Halas McCaskey, though she probably has some sort of designate who sees to her interests. with that said, I have never been a proponent of drafting/signing/starting a Rookie QB right out of the gate. that seems to be the new norm in the NFL, though, since there are 3-4 from the 2021 Class starting right now. it just seems too risky.
so it is with Justin Fields. I happen to like him and think he'll be a good QB when he finally takes over but that should be later than sooner. no matter who starts for "Da Bears" it'll be tough sledding this season. doesn't it make sense to start Andy Dalton while involving Fields in as much of the planning and game day preparation/functioning as possible?? he should be there next to the HC with his own clip-board and sitting with Dalton at all other times. realistically, there should be plenty of games this season where he can play in the 4th Quarter to gain experience.
something like that makes more sense than starting him now to appease the fans and risk either injury or destroyed confidence because things are going a bit too fast for him. and I don't care what anyone says about the others who are starting, after watching them play in week one I didn't see a Rookie QB who was up to the task, it's a lot to ask with too much downside for the reward expected.
I think they should put Fields in, let's face it, Andy Dalton isn't the future of that franchise, why not put Fields in and let him play, that's what they drafted him for, Dalton isn't going to lead the Bears to the promised land.
Despite a good showing in their preseason games, the Chicago Bears decided to keep their rookie quarterback Justin Fields on the bench. Instead, they started former Pro Bowl QB Andy Dalton a move that was collectively clowned upon by Bears and NFL fans everywhere.
Dalton was a shell of his former self, earning a 72.9 passer rating in his first start for the Bears. He also had some unfortunate lowlights, a horrid pass that went straight to the Los Angeles Rams. (via PFF)
On the other hand, Fields looked a lot better when he was on the field for the Bears. His first career touchdown was a rushing TD against the Rams defense on 1st and Goal in the third quarter. It was a glimpse of what Fields could do for the Bears.
You won't see Dalton making plays like this.
I don't understand all of this loyalty to Andy Dalton, Fields out performed Dalton in the preseason and he gives the Bears the best chance to win, nope sorry, we promised Andy.
first off, i have never liked Nagy. you know that informal word for a cat? that's what he coaches like. perk saved me some finger energy with his first post in this thread. one of the worst coaching decisions i have ever personally witnessed in all my years of watching the NFL. there is nothing worse than playing not to lose, and that's exactly how Nagy has coached far too often.
as for Dalton, i think we all know how i feel about him. he is playing quarterback for no other reason than to bide time until Fields takes over as the starter. in a scenario like this, the million-dollar question is always "when is the right time?"
i tend to be brutally honest when it comes to sports -- and that includes my own teams. i will never pretend like any team i root for is better than they actually are. i will always, always keep it real. that said, as currently constructed, my team, the Bears, is going nowhere this year. doesn't matter who the starting quarterback is. so with THAT said, i was actually fine with Nagy slowly integrating Fields in week one. tossing him into the Rams' den on the road with all of those crazy fans and all of those scary ass hot dogs was not the optimal situation for him.
but the time is near for the kid to be thrust into action full time so he can start gaining invaluable experience. if Nagy wants to toss Dalton one more bone and allow him to start against his former team, that's fine. interchange him and Fields more often than he did in week 1. but week 3? it's time. it's time to allow the kid to become a man. it's time for the Bears to become his team. it's time for him to start building a rapport with Allen Robinson. but those things can't happen if he stands on the sidelines for weeks watching a guy with red hair throw 45 6-yard passes every game.
you'll never be able to outrun a bad diet
I've thought about it and I have come to the conclusion that Andy Dalton must have nudes of Matt Nagy.
Oh my goodness, you have to be kidding me, Matt Nagy is doing ads for McDonald's.
If he isn't careful, he may find himself working at a McDonald's.
Was Andy "Red Rifle" Dalton the Bears QB last Sunday in the game against the Rams? If he was I guess I missed it. And I was at the game. Do the Bears have a QB? Maybe a better nickname for the "Red Rifle" would be "Red Ryder.". ......As in b.b. gun. Either the Rams are really good or the Bears have major offensive problems. Not even the refs could win the game for the Bears like they did the last time the Rams/Bears met up. Oh, well......
Dalton must be doing some extracurricular activities off the field if you know what I mean 😘👠
6-13 80 yards and an interception
"I spent 50% of my money on alcohol, women, and gambling. The other half I wasted.
Pretty much the only positive thing I will say about Andy Dalton Is the nickname “The Red Rifle”. It’s absolutely awesome 😂
.........
Agreed. Great nickname. He played college locally to where I live so I sort of followed his career a bit. He was picked in the 2nd round. A lot of college QBs either never get their opportunity or don't make the best of it, but Dalton obviously did well for himself in Cincinnati. By did well I mean they made the playoffs a bunch of years straight in Cincinnati, which isn't common. An he got paid a lot of money. But yes, the nickname might be his best feature at this point of his career.