Sarah Spain believes the Bears should be Justin Fields’ team for the remainder of the season. However, Bill Lazor, the offensive coordinator, will call plays. (1:45).
LAKE FOREST (Ill.) -- The Chicago quarterback's guard has been changed.
Matt Nagy, Chicago Bears head coach, changed his mind on Wednesday. He announced that Justin Fields, a rookie quarterback, will be the team's starting quarterback for the future regardless of Andy Dalton's (knee health) status.
The Bears (2-2), travel to Las Vegas to face the Raiders (3-1), on Sunday.
Nagy maintained for weeks that Dalton would remain the Bears' starter when he was healthy. However, Fields' performance last week in the 24-14 win over the Detroit Lions made it clear that the Bears had to abandon their original quarterback plan.
Nagy stated, "I believe after this weekend with Justin and all the growth that was seen, the discussions that were had was to be in this direction."
Fields completed 11 out of 17 passes for 209 yards with one interception against the Lions. However, Chicago's offense rebounded from the historically poor performance in Cleveland the week prior by completing five passes for more than 20 yards.
Nagy stated that although it is a major decision, it was a good one and they are excited about it.
Fields is 25th out of 52 (48.1%) and has 347 yards, two interceptions, and 55 rushing yards in 17 attempts. He also scored one touchdown.
Dalton played the Chicago Cubs' first two games, but he suffered a bone bruise to his left knee during Week 2, which was the Cincinnati Bengals' win. The past two games have seen Dalton inactive.
"The No. Nagy stated that the No.
"At the same time, we had our plans with Andy and developing Justin. So, for me, it was a part of the territory. We wanted to do our best to make this a great team. Again, I would lie to you if i told you that it was easy to have that conversation with Andy. These are difficult discussions, because it's hard to discuss the human side.
Nagy informed the quarterbacks about the switch on Tuesday.
Fields said, "It was definitely positive news to hear," after the Bears traded nine spots for Fields to draft the 11th overall pick in the spring.
"I would say that I was somewhat surprised but not crazy surprised. However, there was a certain amount of surprise. Andy and I felt like he was very straightforward with us. My teammates trust me. I'm grateful for the chance and ready to go to work.
Dalton is expected to heal his knee enough to allow him to become the No. On Sunday, Dalton will be the No. 2 quarterback in Las Vegas.
Nagy stated, "One thing Andy has earned from us and our coaches was a helluva lot of respect because that guy is an absolute stud." "I am so happy he is here and I appreciate how he understood it. He also cares a lot about the team, which I greatly appreciate."
