The Chicago Bears are moving forward with their quarterback competition. As things stand, most in the media seem to think it remains close between Mitch Trubisky and Nick Foles. Is that feeling mutual on the Bears coaching staff? It doesn’t really matter because Matt Nagy wouldn’t tell anybody regardless.
The Bears held their last open practice to the media at Soldier Field on Sunday. It was a padded practice that featured a full scrimmage atmosphere where both sides were dressed in their uniforms. By all accounts it was competitive on both sides of the ball. Of course all of the attention was on the quarterbacks. Knowing this was their last chance to inquire, Nagy was asked the obvious question.
When will he name a starter?
Nagy didn’t mince words. He made it perfectly clear that the Bears would not reveal who their starter is publicly until their opening game against the Lions in Detroit. This isn’t so much due to how either player has performed. He admitted it was mostly about gamesmanship and keeping their opponent guessing.
People might be annoyed or even angered by this. They feel they have a right to know. Except no they don’t. Nagy isn’t obligated to tell anybody anything about his plans until he absolutely must. That will come when he trots the offense onto the first for their first series in Detroit. The logic of doing this is obvious. It means the Lions won’t be able to pick a QB to prepare for.
If Nagy revealed it was Trubisky who would start, then Detroit could craft a game plan to stop him. Same for Foles. By keeping it a mystery, the Lions won’t be given any sort of extra advantage. That’s just smart thinking. It isn’t a crime. Sure it doesn’t ramp up the excitement for fans that much.
Then again this isn’t Nagy’s job. His job is to make sure he wins that football game.
