Bears' Matt Nagy: Naming Justin Fields or Andy Dalton Week 4 QB Is Game-time Decision

Chicago Bears head coach Matt Nagy didn't commit to a starting quarterback for Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions.

Nagy told reporters the choice is between Andy Dalton and Justin Fields and that it's a "game-time decision."

Dalton was out for Chicago's 26-6 loss to the Cleveland Browns with a knee injury but said Friday, "I feel very good with where I'm at."

While fans had been clamoring to see Fields as the starter from the moment he was selected in the first round of the draft, the last two weeks have raised cause for concern. Either the rookie isn't ready for the starting gig, or Chicago doesn't have the pieces necessary for him to succeed.

Fields is 12-of-33 for 128 yards and one touchdown in his last two appearances. Against the Browns, the Bears were credited with one net passing yard because the first-year signal-caller was sacked nine times for a loss of 67 yards.

So far, Fields has avoided much scrutiny, with much of the criticism piled instead on Nagy.

But deflecting the blame away from the former Ohio State doesn't change the fact a young quarterback can see his development stunted if a series of poor performances shakes his confidence.

Dalton isn't a perfect solution. The 33-year-old provides a firm ceiling to his offense, having averaged 233.1 yards per game and completed 62.3 percent of his passes.

Making Fields the No. 1 guy might be an even worse route.

This season is only three games old for Chicago, so it's too early for the Bears to hit the panic button. Fans have nonetheless seen this situation play out before; a solid defense isn't enough to overcome a misfiring offense. 

Perhaps Nagy can figure things out to get the team to the playoffs for the third time in four years. If the first three weeks are any indication, though, the coach might be out of answers.