Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Andy Dalton had another solid practice for the Bears, continuing to bring consistency to Chicago’s quarterback room. But Dalton was far from perfect, as he was picked off by linebacker Alec Ogletree, who recorded an interception in his fourth straight practice, and had a couple of overthrows. Still, Dalton’s consistency has outweighed any mistakes that are going to happen in practice.
Much like Fields, Dalton had his moments during red zone drills, including a nice touchdown to tight end Jimmy Graham during 7-on-7 drills. But perhaps Dalton’s best throw came on a 50-50 ball to receiver Darnell Mooney in the back of the end zone over safety DeAndre Houston-Carson.
Andy Dalton just hit Darnell Mooney with a great back shoulder throw in 7 on 7’s.
One of the best throws I’ve seen from Dalton and Mooney hauled it in with ease. #Bears
— Chris Maltby (@ChrisMaltbyBD) August 8, 2021
While Fields certainly stole the show during Sunday’s practice, Dalton turned in another solid practice, where his quick release was a highlight.
“Both quarterbacks found Damiere Byrd for a touchdown — Dalton on a post route, Fields on a slant — and that reminds me of another quality I saw from Dalton today, which was a quick release,” wrote The Athletic’s Kevin Fishbain. “Whether it was an out route or a slant, he did a nice job countering the pass rush by getting rid of the ball quickly.”
While Fields has been turning heads throughout camp, Dalton remains a consistent force in the quarterbacks room, which is exactly what the Bears want. So long as Dalton remains solid, Chicago has a reason to sit Fields and let him develop. But things could certainly change with the preseason kicking off next week.
