The Los Angeles Rams are set to open the 2021 NFL season with SoFi Stadium at full capacity when they host the Chicago Bears on Sunday Night Football in Week 1.
The Rams made headlined with the acquisition of former Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford this offseason. Meanwhile, his former NFC North rivals made some changes of their own under center by bringing in Andy Dalton and Justin Fields.
The arrival of Fields with the 11th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft led to plenty of talk regarding the quarterback situation in Chicago. Head coach Matt Nagy has since put an end to all the speculation.
Nagy was adamant during an appearance on the Chris Collinsworth Podcast that Dalton will be the starter in the season opener, via Daniel Greenberg:
Chicago Bears HC Matt Nagy told @CollinsworthPFF that there is no possible scenario that Justin Fields is the starting quarterback Week 1.
Nagy: "Andy Dalton is our starter. Justin is our number 2 and we are going to stick with this plan. You just got to trust the plan."
— Daniel Greenberg (@ChiSportUpdates) June 15, 2021
Nagy’s decision hardly comes as a surprise considering he has been steadfast in Dalton’s status as the starter since signing him in free agency. While Fields’ arrival has drawn plenty of hype for a new era under center, it appears the Bears plan on taking their time with his development.
The patient approach with quarterbacks is something that has taken root in recent years with the emergence of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. After all, Nagy had played a crucial role in the experiment as the former quarterback coach and offensive coordinator in Kansas City.
It seems the Bears have high hopes that they will be able to replicate that success with Fields. Dalton is expected to help them stay competitive while he continues to develop his skill set.
If that was not reason enough, Nagy likely has no intention of trotting their franchise cornerstone out against a Rams defense that finished the 2020 campaign as the No. 1-ranked group in the NFL. Having his first taste of the NFL come against the likes of defensive tackle Aron Donald and cornerback Jalen Ramsey may do more harm than good.
