Andy Dalton – 2021 Stat Projections for the Chicago Bears
I have Andy Dalton starting the first four games. I think the team goes 2-2 over that span, but the offense does not look good enough to keep Matt Nagy from making the switch to Justin Fields. The Bears will want Fields to get a game under his belt (vs. the Raiders) before facing off against their division rivals, the Green Bay Packers, in Week 6.
Attempts: 74
Completions: 114
Passing Yards: 701
Passing TDs: 6
Interceptions: 3
Rushing Attempts: 13
Rushing Yards: 111
Rushing TDs: 0
You can see why the Bears will likely make a shift after the first four weeks and also why the team is only 2-2 on the year. I have them beating the Bengals and Lions but losing to the Rams and the Browns.
Andy Dalton was never going to be the answer. The team does not owe him anything other than the money they guaranteed him and the chance to be the starter in Week 1. I do not believe that Justin Fields will push Dalton enough during camp to force him to be the backup to start the season, but I do think that Matt Nagy will see enough to make a switch sooner rather than later. Four weeks seems like a realistic leash based on prior situations.