A lot of people panned the idea when it first happened. What could a Mark Sanchez Bears connection possibly accomplish? Some laughed. Others derided. Chicago was no place for a journeyman backup with his best days long behind him, right? The problem is people view every quarterback signing the same way: as if he’s a potential starter.
That was never the case with Sanchez. His addition to the roster was centered around two factors. The first being experienced depth at the backup spots. Second? Providing much-needed advice and direction for Mitch Trubisky. Sure Mike Glennon is included as well but he’s already got NFL starting experience. Sanchez can and should be much more beneficial to Bears’ prized new rookie.
Naturally some will think that’s overblown. There’s only so much Sanchez can do. The role of mentor in the NFL is a nice, little fantasy. That is until one hears the man himself explain why he can be good at it.
Mark Sanchez Bears tenure validated with one statement
For the first time Sanchez appeared in front of reports following the first practice of training camp. Having spent years in front of the New York, Philadelphia and Dallas media it was easy to see why he looked so comfortable. The man wasted no time providing clear proof that he knows and is qualified for the job asked of him.
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“Oh, he’s great. He’s great,” Sanchez said. “The best compliment you can give a rookie is not having to tell him to shut up. Right? Just keep your head down and work, and that’s really been his mentality. And that’s huge. That’s not easy. Especially not coming from where he’s come from and the status you build as a college player. And then the team trades up and drafts you. All of those things. You start to feel a little bit of that. And people are telling you a lot of that. And a lot of guys come in here believing all of that. Really, it’s right to the bottom. Whether you’re starting or not.”
Sanchez can help Trubisky if it’s accepted
It’s easy to forget that few people understand what Trubisky is feeling more than Sanchez. Not only was he a top five draft pick back in 2009. He also had the distinction of be traded up for. The New York Jets gave up a second first round pick, a second round pick and three players to move up and draft him that year. That’s considerably more than what the Bears surrendered for Trubisky. So Sanchez understands the added pressure that brings.
He can provide critical advice on how to deal with it. Not only from the successful ways he did back then but also the ways he failed to. Trubisky has already shown based on multiple accounts that he’s ready and willing to learn. He wants to be great. That much is reflected in the work ethic. People can say what they want about Sanchez, but he’s a smart football player. If Trubisky accepts his help, the odds of him having NFL success will go up.
