This is probably true:
Dalton probably runs Nagy's preferred version of the offense better--so in that regard he increases our chances to win--doing it the Nagy way. And while he gave it over to Lazor for DET--who knows if he can keep his hands off of it.
But if we step even more into a Ravens type run heavy attack and moving the pocket (and add in some more Fields runs/opportunistic runs) and deeper target depths--then who knows--we probably end up with a similar record and get some QB development in the process. I think Fields is definitely pass first--which is good--but we should encourage him to use elite speed just a tad more via design. He needs to learn to feel pressure better--and I hope he doesn't turn into a Dave Krieg when it comes to fumbling on hit/sacks. (yes Moon/Farve have more but Krieg has about 1000-1500 less drop backs)
I would say this--it was more than just hopeful eye tests in what we saw from Fields--those were deep throws on the money. But I expect a stock market ride from him--ups and downs during year 1.
Looking at the EPA and depth of target and "completion above expected" Fields had a really really good day for a rookie--(but it was DET).
https://rbsdm.com/stats/box_scores/?_inputs_&type=%22reg%22&away=%22DET%22&home=%22CHI%22&year=%222021%22EPA stats are good and while his 64% completion does not seem gaudy--based on the depth of target the expected % is 55 - so he was completing lower percentage/harder passes at a good clip
Now to be fair Dalton was dink/dunking to near perfection vs. CIN before injury (which was a nice scramble run)
https://rbsdm.com/stats/box_scores/?_inputs_&type=%22reg%22&away=%22CIN%22&home=%22CHI%22&year=%222021%22(this is like open source / poor man PFF type stats)
Not deep passes at all--but he was completing everything--likely it goes down a bit but still--he was playing well within what Nagy was calling.
We have so many issues with this team to be worried about maybe under-performing in 1-2 games with Fields. But I can't even convince myself that there are many teams that Nagy's gameplan is actually going to result in a win.
Nagy really wants to run a run and Shoop offense. And even then--if he's not getting 6 yards a carry--nix the run completely. If we had prime Tom Brady and a better line and better receivers--then that could work. Since we are 0/3 on that front--then I just don't see--we can't make this crap work.
The TEs completely stink and we need to rethink WTF we are doing. Maybe just throw more blockers in there and throw to WRs who can at least sometimes get some separation. Mooney doesn't have Robinson's hands (yet?) but man he can at least separate. Kmet is a massive letdown, falling down all over the place and no hands. Jimmy Graham may still care but he's near worthless at this point as well. We'd be better getting pure run blocking TE's or a blocking FB that can catch, or lining up OL as TE if needed--as I'm sure a 300 pounder will catch worse as Kmet/Graham on a short pass but block WAY better for the 9/10 other plays. If we got a few TDs thrown to big dudes--it'd probably equal what we get from that duo.
To paraphrase the hilarious Buddy Ryan on our "top" TEs
Jimmy Graham will be selling insurance in two years.
On Cole Kmet I think Buddy's "Trade him for a six-pack. It doesn’t even have to be cold." is true.
We got 4 TEs and 4 RBs--with one on PUP and one out for a few weeks.
One group can give you production the other is stinking up the joint....
Decisions decisions....
