Vears Quarterback: Who Should It Be?

Vendors Russ Adams, John Hagan and Donald Morris chat with Executive Assistant Patrick Edwards.

Patrick: John, we’ve spoken about this a few times, so I know you’re ready to kick off this Bears discussion. We’ve finally made it, and, so far, things COVID-related are holding on so as to not interfere as seriously as they did during the past year-andchange. A ton of exciting news on the homefront, so what do you have, John?

John: This year, the Bears will excite. Now, they may not make it to the promised land, but we’ll have a ton of moments. Some good, some bad, but my big prediction: Justin Fields will start at quarterback week 1 at the Los Angeles Rams.

Russ: Oh, wow.

John: Sunday Night Football this weekend, 7:20 p.m. start in Los Angeles against the Rams. Justin Fields will be slinging the ball around the field. If Andy Dalton—our official projected starter at quarterback—doesn’t bring the excitement and dazzle that Justin Fields has shown, the Bears will concede that Fields is the man to carry us to the promised land.

Patrick: Is that the smart thing, though?

John: Well, personally, I believe the Bears should start Andy Dalton, and develop Fields slowly. Until we can get a few other pieces of the offense and defense going, that’s probably the best thing for him.

Donald: I won’t lie, I want to see Justin Fields out there today, tomorrow, next week; shoot, whenever the Bears play. At Ohio State, just last year—yes, the man is a rookie for those not in the know— he led the Buckeyes through an undefeated season, only to lose to Alabama in the championship game. Now, he did have a subpar game, going 17 for 33 with only one touchdown in the 52-24 loss, but he didn’t lose any respect for himself, and we didn’t lose any for him.

Russ: Agreed. Shoot, Alabama was no joke last year.

Patrick: They weren’t.

John: True. But, even so, I think if we hold Justin back from starting for just a few games, see how Dalton’s working it, and when we play the Packers in week 6, if Dalton’s not doing what he could, then get Justin in there to finish off against Aaron Rodgers.

Russ: I like it. Let Dalton get to that one and mano-a-mano with Rodgers.

Donald: Now, fellas, I’m looking at the following game: We got Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Let’s see what’s really going on with that!

Patrick: Good point. While it would be cool if Dalton is able to withstand the pressure—of public opinion and Justin Field’s arm and control—through the Green Bay Packers game, and if he is still the starter when Tampa Bay rolls in, it won’t be horrible to get Fields in there at some point to go up against, perhaps, the greatest quarterback to ever play the game. Russ: Could be really exciting. The young buck turning back the old, grizzled veteran…

John: Unless we, also, have the old, grizzled veteran turning back the clock—not that the clock seems to be affecting Brady in any shape and form—but, yeah, Tom has the ability to put a whupping on Fields.

Donald: My money’s on Brady. But…I would love to watch that one. Shoot, the hype alone will be worth the entrance fee.

Patrick: Y’all are rolling with the good points today. I am with y’all.

Russ: Fellas, I feel a good one coming.

Any comments or suggestions? Email pedwards@streetwise.org