Chicago Bears: Andy Dalton remains in the driver’s seat as ‘QB1’
By Cody Young
The Chicago Bears held a press conference on Friday afternoon and as usual, not too much of consequence was said. We all know the Bears are a team that likes to keep their interworkings very close-knit so this was expected. One little nugget that I did find interesting is that Bears GM Ryan Pace continues to see Andy Dalton as a starting quarterback.
#Bears GM Ryan Pace: “That’s how we see Andy Dalton — as a starting quarterback.”
— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) April 2, 2021
Now, the Bears should still be looking to add at the position this offseason — particularly in the draft later this month. The Bears have been desperate for a quarterback forever and unfortunately for Chicago Bears fans, Andy Dalton isn’t the answer.
That being said, Dalton can certainly serve as a more than adequate bridge gap and should be the starter for the 2021 season, but will he be is the real question. On more than one occasion the Bears and Ryan Pace have verbally committed to someone before pulling them.
Should Chicago Bears fans put their trust in Ryan Pace given his track record?
In 2017, the Bears came to an agreement with veteran quarterback Mike Glennon. The Bears later drafted Mitch Trubisky in that very same offseason. Despite saying that Glennon was the guy all offseason, Chicago had a quick trigger and chose to go with the rookie four games into the season.
To be fair, Glennon was never a quality starting QB at any point in his career, unlike Dalton who has been to the playoffs several times and made the Pro Bowl. The Bears had a 1-3 record with Glennon at the helm and his play gave them no reason to stick with him.
Fast-forward a little bit to 2020 and the Bears have now brought in Nick Foles to compete with Trubisky for the starting quarterback job. Trubisky would go on to win the QB competition, but yet again the Bears and, in particular, Matt Nagy had a short leash.
Related Story. Matt Nagy confirms he is calling plays in 2021. light
This brings us to 2021 and this press conference on Friday afternoon. Dalton appears to be in the driver seat to be the starting quarterback for the 2021 season but should we trust what Pace is saying? In my opinion, the Bears really have no better option right now than sticking with Dalton. Even if they draft someone I think sitting for a year can do some good for the young player.