Chicago Bears: 3 Players who must improve in Week 2 preseason game

Chicago Bears player who must improve: Andy Dalton

Yes, Andy Dalton is the starting quarterback right now. I agree with Matt Nagy’s decision to make him the starter as it would not hurt Justin Fields to sit for a few weeks. Now, what we have been hearing about the rookie during camp and what he showed on the field against the Dolphins might make Nagy question his decision. He already came out saying Fields will get more reps with the starters, which could potentially mean that he is priming Fields to possibly start Week 1.

We did not see anything from Andy Dalton against the Dolphins. He was on for two drives and only attempted four passes. Obviously, his performance in that game is not going to get him benched. But, with Fields looking more and more ready, Dalton is going to have to be near perfect to maintain that starting job. Sure, it is “his time” right now, but he will be on a short leash. Whatever reps he gets in the next two games will be critical in how fans and coaches perceive him as the starter.

I am not saying Andy Dalton has played poorly through camp and preseason so far. He just is going to have to be good enough to keep the confidence that the coaches have in him. If Justin Fields continues to look great in games, especially if he gets it going with some of the starters, things could get real blurry in terms of who the starter against the Rams ends up being. Keep an eye on the news coming out of practice for the next couple of weeks as well as preseason performance for both quarterbacks.

These players will have to improve their play going into Week 2 of the preseason to either keep their place on the depth chart or even to fight for a roster spot. Their play during the next two games and throughout the rest of camp will decide their fate, so they must step up.