Andy Dalton made major waves on Wednesday when he said confidently he’s focused on making the best of the 2021 season and being the starting quarterback.
“Do I want the fans behind me and this team and all that kind of stuff? Yes. Do I want them behind Justin? Absolutely I do,” Dalton told reporters (starting around the 4:50 mark). “… Justin’s gonna have his time and Justin’s gonna have a great career, but right now it’s my time and so right now my focus is on being the best player I can be for this team and do everything I can to help this team win.”
Dalton’s comments stirred up widespread reaction, with free agent WR Dez Bryant chimming in on Twitter.
“I like you Andy but I don’t know…1st round and already showing a promising career…Chicago would be every bit of crazy if Fields go out here and dominate the rest of the preseason and not start Week 1,” Bryant said. “My eyes are laser focused on the Bears QB dispute.”
Fields entered Saturday’s game and completed 14 of his 20 throws for 142 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions. He added 33 rushing yards and a score on the ground in a 20-13 win. In limited time, Dalton went 2-of-4.
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Before Chicago drafted Fields, it signed Dalton to a one-year, $10 million contract in free agency. When he was introduced, he confirmed the team had promised him the starting role.
“They told me I was the starter,” Dalton said in March. “That was one of the reasons why I wanted to come here. So every conversation I’ve had has been that, so that’s the assurance that I’ve gotten.”
