Mitch Trubisky’s last four performances are some of the strangest by a Bears quarterback in recent memory. Since hitting what I believe was his rock bottom against the Saints, he has strung together a series of bizarre decisions, errant throws, poor mechanics and occasional, yet all-too-infrequent, thrilling moments. Trubisky is no longer an enigma. He’s no longer difficult to evaluate. He’s a backup quarterback.
Other thoughts, based on observations and conversations…
- The boys at the Tribune did a nice job breaking down this entire Trubisky saga in tireless detail. I’d be very surprised if Dave Ragone is on this coaching staff in 2020. And he shouldn’t be.
- For those wondering why the Bears aren’t turning to Chase Daniel, it’s simple: they are hoping (and praying) something clicks in Trubisky and he turns this thing around. They’re no longer relying on that to occur but they know it’s the best possible outcome for the organization this season as the playoffs drift further and further from reality.
- From a well-placed source within the organization: Matt Nagy has grown increasingly frustrated with Trubisky’s inability to process and execute the game plan. That game plan was significantly dialed back for Detroit and will continue to be down the stretch.
- Is Trubisky playing hurt? He has to be. Otherwise there’s no explanation for his passing up countless first downs on the ground. Both the Eagles and Lions sold out to stop the run/rush the passer, leaving their corners on an island and acres of space in the middle of the field. When Trubisky has had opportunities to exploit that space with his legs, he’s passed. It makes no sense. Unless he’s hurt.
- The same folks blaming the offensive line in Chicago out of the left side of their mouths are praising Deshaun Watson’s improvisational skills out of the right side of their mouths. If you watch Houston play, you’ll realize something: they have no offensive line. Watson, and the MVP front-runner Russell Wilson, extend drives and make plays with their athleticism. Trubisky does not. And that’s why he was drafted. The Bears never expected him to sit in the pocket like Eli Manning or Joe Flacco. They expected him to move and create. They expected football instincts. They expected excitement. They’re getting none.
- The one-and-only Adam Jahns did a nice job surveying the locker room for opinions on Trubisky. Here’s what I can say. More than one player has reached out, off the record, to criticize the quarterback in recent weeks. But by-and-large, they have his back. Why? Two reasons. (1) They have no choice. (2) Nagy has created an incredibly positive atmosphere in that locker room. They know this season is not what they expected but they’re not going to turn on each other. (If you want to know who has been talking, consider the trade rumors that circulated a month back.)
- The Bears will bring in a veteran quarterback in 2020, and have stepped up their scouting of the position at the collegiate level. With two second-round picks, and a quarterback laden draft, a starter might be acquirable at that point. Hell, who knows? Starters come from everywhere in the draft now.
It is unlikely Mitch Trubisky won’t be on the Bears next season. And if the team brings in an Andy Dalton, or Alex Smith, or Cam Newton, Trubisky in the backup role would give the Bears their best QB room in a long time. Mitch is a bad starting quarterback. But he’s a good backup. And that’s what he should be in 2020.
