When talking about John DeFilippo as a quarterbacks coach, most people hold him in high regard for one reason. His ability to take in a young quarterback and develop him into a productive pro. He played a minor role in that with Derek Carr in 2014. Then in 2016, he set Carson Wentz on a course to becoming a Pro Bowler a year later. Last but not least, he got an above-average season out of Gardner Minshew in 2019. This is why when thinking about the Chicago Bears’ QB room, most are focused on his relationship with 11th overall pick Justin Fields. Not Andy Dalton.
That is easy enough to understand. Fields is the future. DeFilippo’s primary responsibility is getting him ready to play. However, it would be a mistake to think the coach is incapable of doing something for Dalton. While his rookie exploits get the most notoriety, he has a reputation for helping veterans as well.
There are a number of examples that tend to get overlooked. Ones that should give Bears fans hope that Dalton may prove more effective this season than some think.
Andy Dalton wouldn’t be the first vet to benefit from DeFilippo
Carson Palmer
- In 2011 the Raiders traded for Palmer from Cincinnati. He managed 2,753 yards with 13 touchdowns and 16 interceptions in 10 games.
- DeFilippo arrived a year later in 2012. With his help, the veteran topped 4,000 yards passing. His 85.3 passer rating, while not overly high, was the best the 33-year old had delivered in five years.
Josh McCown
- After his incredible season of relief in 2013 with Chicago where he threw 13 touchdowns to just one interception, McCown crashed back to earth in 2014 with Tampa Bay. Playing under the offensively challenged Lovie Smith, he had just 11 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.
- A year later he ended up as a backup in Cleveland for Johnny Manziel. The same year DeFilippo became an offensive coordinator for the first time. When Manziel inevitably imploded, McCown stepped in and played much more like he was in Chicago with 12 touchdowns and just four interceptions in eight games.
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Mitch Trubisky
- Yep, him too. Let’s not forget. In 2019, Trubisky regressed in a huge way. Across 15 games, he had just 17 touchdowns to 10 interceptions with an 83.0 passer rating. That subsequent offseason, the Bears brought DeFilippo in.
- Despite the rollercoaster season, the coach still got results. Trubisky rebounded with 16 touchdowns and eight interceptions in nine starts. His 93.5 passer rating was just shy of his career-best.
This is why Andy Dalton shouldn’t be summarily dismissed by so many people. He’s around the same age Palmer and McCown were when they met up with DeFilippo. If he could get them to produce as well as they did under far less advantageous circumstances? There is no reason to think Dalton can’t have himself a solid season. Much of it depends on the protection he gets. When it comes to discipline and efficiency? The Bears QB coach will have him ready.