Dalton unfazed by Fields hype: 'Right now, it's my time'

Chicago Bears quarterback Andy Dalton isn't focused on the growing hype around rookie Justin Fields, who could threaten to take his starting job at some point in 2021.

"Do I want the fans behind me and this team and all that kind of stuff? Yes," Dalton said Wednesday. "Do I want them behind Justin? Absolutely I do. But that's not my focus. I can't focus on all that right now.

"Like I've said before, Justin's gonna have his time, and Justin's gonna have a great career. But right now, it's my time, and so my focus is on being the best player I can be for this team and doing everything I can to help this team."

The Bears anointed Dalton their starter early in the offseason after signing him to a one-year, $10-million contract. Chicago later traded up in the first round of the NFL draft to select Fields 11th overall.

The 22-year-old rookie impressed in his preseason debut, completing 14 of 20 pass attempts and scoring two touchdowns against the Miami Dolphins. Bears head coach Matt Nagy conceded afterward that Fields will get some starter's reps in Chicago's second exhibition tilt, though the signal-caller is now battling a sore groin, according to Kevin Patra of NFL.com.

Dalton, a 10-year veteran, spent last season with the Dallas Cowboys after nine years with the Cincinnati Bengals. He threw for 2,170 yards with 14 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 11 appearances for Dallas, making nine starts.

The 33-year-old took the Bengals to the playoffs on five occasions but never won a round. He missed one of those five postseason contests due to injury.

The Bears and the New York Jets are the only NFL franchises to never have a 4,000-yard passer in the 16-game era.