Key Matt Nagy Decisions That Would Send Bears the Wrong Message

Matt Nagy has done everything right, at least when it relates to his team. Step by step it's becoming clear the 39-year old has gotten his players to buy into what he's selling. Not just the new schemes and systems, but also the philosophies. They're fired up and are starting to believe they can win. They also have been quick to defend any of his more controversial decisions. When he chose to bench the starters for the final two preseason games, something that is not the norm in the NFL, he was chastised by many in the media. Several notable players including Kyle Long and Mitch Trubisky leaped to his defense, stating his thinking was spot on. That's a welcome sign, but Nagy isn't out of the woods yet. There is still one more string of important decisions to make. Ones that could make a somewhat unfavorable impression if they go the wrong way. Among the hardest things to do as a coach is staying on message, so will Nagy live up to his? If so, he must avoid these moves.

Keeping Aaron Lynch

Look it's understood. The Bears need pass rush help. Aaron Lynch has prior connections to Vic Fangio. This makes it a virtual lock he'll make the roster. Here's the thing though. He doesn't deserve to. Lynch has barely practiced for months after dealing with multiple hamstring problems. Already he's proven unreliable while others have fought hard for an opportunity. Lynch is taking up a roster spot he hasn't earned. There have been no signs he deserves it at this point. Free it up for somebody who can actually be of use to the defense, be it another on the depth chart or perhaps an outside free agent that is or will become available. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3BWKmwNpWI

Cutting Javon Wims

The NFL is a results-based business. Players who deliver on the field deserve to be rewarded. It should be about productivity instead of draft or free agent status. Some have said that the Bears may still cut seventh round pick, Javon Wims. This despite him being the best wide receiver in the league this preseason with 225 yards and a touchdown. The belief is he doesn't have enough value on special teams. So what? Offensive value trumps special teams value every day of the week. Wims could end up playing meaningful snaps on offense as a rookie. He's been that good. What sort of impression would the Bears be making to others if they reward the rookie for his hard work by cutting him?

Benching James Daniels

The Bears coaches like Eric Kush. He's a solid veteran who does everything asked of him. That's great. He's not James Daniels though. The second round pick out of Iowa is clearly the more talented of the two. That much has been evident throughout the preseason. To think he's just 20-years old is mind-boggling.

So here's the thing. If the two men are on equal footing in terms of their play at this point, then starting the young buck is how it much be. Daniels is only going to get better as he matures. Kush, for all his intelligence and toughness, has already peaked. Nagy owes it to the team to put the five best offensive linemen on the field.

Playing Roquan Smith

Yes he's the #8 overall pick and yes he has a bright future in the NFL with the Bears. That's not in question. What should be in question is his readiness. Roquan Smith missed all of training camp and is unlikely to play a single preseason game. He's already nursing a tight hamstring. Yet the Bears have hinted he still might see playing time against Green Bay. As exciting as that may sound, it's inadvisable. One because Smith is not yet up to game speed and also because he hasn't earned that right. He needs more full practices under his belt before the team should consider putting him in the lineup. Until then Nick Kwiatkoski, who has spent three years awaiting the opportunity, deserves to play.