In their first preseason game of 2021, the Buffalo Bills rested key starters and played others for just a couple series before taking a longer look at the depth of the roster. What will they do this Saturday as they take on the Chicago Bears? Let’s turn to Chicago for a possible answer.
Bears head coach Matt Nagy is indicating that his group of starters will see an increase in playing time against Buffalo. Admittedly, “more” time lacks context for most Bills fans who might not have checked in on other teams and their playing time. The Bears took a similar path to the Bills in their preseason tilt against the Miami Dolphins.
Starting quarterback Andy Dalton was in for the first two series, totaling seven snaps. From there on it was Justin Fields for most of the game. Bills fans may be set to see a larger dose of Western New York Folk Hero Dalton if Nagy is to be trusted. This will likely be true of most starters as well. If you’re hoping for two teams to use this as their tune-up game for the starters, don’t get your hopes too high, as Nagy suggested the Bears will be using their third and final game against the Tennessee Titans toward this end.
Will Buffalo follow suit? There are often gentleman’s agreements in the preseason, particularly when it comes to playing time. Nagy may be tipping the hand of both teams.