Chicago Bears: 5 hot takes on Allen Robinson, Khalil Herbert and more

Chicago Bears Hot Take No. 5: The Bears offense is better off with Andy Dalton at quarterback than Justin Fields.

Is the Bears offense better off with Andy Dalton at quarterback? 

I vehemently disagree with the idea that anyone other than Justin Fields should be taking snaps at quarterback for the Bears. Fans need to be patient and understand that not every rookie hits the ground running. We’ve seen ups and downs from every rookie quarterback who has seen the field, and going through these stages are essential for their development.

The Bears aren’t going anywhere with Andy Dalton 

If this was an Alex Smith and Patrick Mahomes situation, I would get it. When the veteran quarterback is playing really well and leading his team to the playoffs, a quarterback change doesn’t make much sense. But that isn’t what the Bears are dealing with in Andy Dalton. He hasn’t made a pro bowl since 2016 and hasn’t had a winning season as a starter since 2015. Dalton is a 34-year-old game manager and would be nothing more than a placeholder for the Bears. It makes more sense to give the reigns to a younger player who has a chance to be the franchise guy.

Fans need to be patient with Justin Fields 

Fields has only had four starts. I don’t think it’s fair to start drawing conclusions about who he is as a player. He isn’t playing great, but he doesn’t need to. He’s 2-2 as a starter, and both losses are to teams that will be in the thick of the playoff race.

Bottom line 

The Bears would not be in any better position with Andy Dalton as the quarterback. Getting your first-round rookie reps is more important than giving them to an aging veteran who will be off the team after this season.