The hot topic of the Chicago Bears this offseason is their highly anticipated quarterback competition. It’s Mitch Trubisky, the former #2 overall pick going against Nick Foles, a longtime backup who emerged to win a Super Bowl three years ago. This franchise is desperate for better play at that position. Head coach Matt Nagy is hoping a battle between the two will bring the best out of both.

Nagy has made his message crystal clear from the start. There will be no favoritism in this battle. Both guys will start training camp on equal footing. Trubisky gets the first snap but he and Foles will share equal reps in practice and the preseason. The Bears are committed to making this competition fair and impartial. This way they get hopefully get the results they’re looking for.

One radio host isn’t buying that though. Ben Maller of The Ben Maller Show for Fox Sports Radio believes Nagy is lying through his teeth. In his mind, the coach is merely using Foles as a direct way to push Trubisky this season. The initial term he used was a “prop.” However, the language gets even better as he explained.

Nick Foles is not a prop nor a useful idiot

Look, radio hosts always have a certain agenda. They have to say things that will generate attention. It’s part of their job. That being said, Maller is just way off base. It’s fine if he thinks the Bears might be favoring Trubisky more in this competition than they’re letting on. Yet to call a former Pro Bowler and Super Bowl MVP nothing more than a useful idiot? Not only is it incorrect, but also more than a little disrespectful.

Foles might have some disadvantages in this battle. No minicamps to work out the rust in this offense. Limited time to form connections with the wide receivers and tight ends. Working in an unfamiliar city. All things Trubisky has over him. That said, his experience, leadership, and intelligence have already begun to emerge. It would be unwise to not consider him a true contender in this fight. It’s a long way until September.