Kurt Warner Supports Bears' Decision To Go With Andy Dalton

Justin Fields or Andy Dalton? It is a debate that has raged for over a month now. Ever since head coach Matt Nagy declared there would be no quarterback competition. Dalton is the starter and Fields will be his backup. The plan is clear. Give the 11th overall pick time to grasp the Chicago Bears' complicated offense from the safety of the sideline. When it's felt he is ready for his chance, the kid will play. A lot of people don't like this approach. Hall of Fame QB Kurt Warner supports it. On NFL Total Access, the crew discussed the Bears' approach in all this. Is it the right move to go with Dalton even when it's clear Fields is the more talented quarterback. Warner says yes. His reasoning? The belief is that the rookie does not yet understand what he is seeing in game action. Too often he looks confused when dropping back to pass and decides to take off running. A problem that doesn't register with Dalton who has played in the league for 10 years now. [video width="854" height="480" mp4="https://www.sportsmockery.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/NFL-TOTAL-ACCESS-Kurt-Warner-heated-Justin-Fields-should-be-Starting-QB-in-Bears-vs-Titans2021_08_28_12_25_49.mp4"][/video]

It isn't a surprise Warner would take this stance.

He had to wait his turn for an opportunity to start in the NFL. After a stint in the Arena League, he spent time in NFL Europe before being a backup in St. Louis for a year. Not until 1999, what would've been his sixth season in the league did he finally get that chance to start. He was certainly ready by that point, winning league MVP and the Super Bowl. Of course, the Bears aren't going to wait that long with Fields. The point made here is there is absolutely a benefit to not throwing him out there immediately. Warner's colleague Willie McGinnest made an additional point. While Dalton might be the more prepared and experienced guy, there is also the issue with the Bears' offensive line. It has looked leaky throughout the preseason. Nothing can kill the confidence of a young quarterback faster than getting hit too much. It is possible the coaches would prefer to keep Fields safe on the sidelines until they feel the blocking is reliable.

Kurt Warner isn't the first to voice this opinion

A number of other prominent former players have said going with Dalton is the correct approach. Fellow Hall of Famer Steve Young understands the approach. He thinks Nagy is doing it because he can't afford the offense having another bad start to the season. Something that is entirely possible with a rookie QB. Even one as talented as Fields. Dalton is the steadier hand and might buy the head coach some time. [video width="1280" height="720" mp4="https://www.sportsmockery.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/From-last-Friday-@AlbertBreer-broke-down-the-differences-of-whats-going-on-in-the-Bears-huddle-be-12021_08_24_14_50_47.mp4"][/video] The bottom line is? Nagy is set on his course. Dalton will start opening night in Los Angeles and likely hold the job for at least a few weeks. If he plays decent enough, then the plan will remain intact. There seem to be only two ways Fields sees action. If Dalton struggles or if he gets hurt. Kurt Warner is fine with this approach. He understands the current trend is for young QBs to play right away. However, that doesn't mean it is the correct way. Sitting them does have benefits. Fields wants to play but he is also a pragmatist. He knows the coaches are doing what they think is best for him. So he'll go along with it and support Dalton as much as possible. His time will come. Until then, he just has to continue doing what he's been doing. Working hard and mastering the playbook. When he starts playing the position like a true pro, the leash will be removed.