The Chicago Bears have seen rookie quarterback Justin Fields impress throughout the early part of the NFL preseason. He’s been so impressive that team’s fans has started chanting for Fields to become the starting quarterback for Week 1 — even during games Andy Dalton is starting in the preseason.
Fields heard the fans’ voices during Saturday’s preseason game against the Buffalo Bills. While he appreciates the support, the rookie signal caller also believes that it’s “disrespectful” to veteran quarterback Andy Dalton.
“I noticed it, of course. The fans are awesome, but they also have to realize Andy is a human being too,” Fields said, according to NBC Sports. “Andy is out there on the field right now, so I really think it’s kind of disrespectful to Andy, them cheering my name like that. They have to trust in coach to make sure he’s making the right decisions and cheer Andy on.
“That’s not helping Andy play better, them cheering my name. That’s not doing that. So I would say my advice to them would be just cheer for who’s out there playing on the field.”
Bears head coach Matt Nagy has maintained that the team will start Dalton in Week 1 — regardless of the fans’ chants — when they face off against the Los Angeles Rams.
So far this preseason, Dalton has completed 13-of-21 passes for 164 yards to go along with one touchdown and one interception. Meanwhile, Fields was very impressive in the team’s preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins in which he completed 14-of-20 passes for 142 yards and a touchdown. The 2021 first round pick has been electric on the ground as well.
Fields is showing respect to his veteran counterpart, which is always nice, but the reality is that Fields will probably start some games for the Bears this season.
