The idea of a Mitch Trubisky Kevin White connection seems like a farfetched dream at this point. Chicago Bears fans would love nothing more than to see it happen. In fact one could easily say that was the plan GM Ryan Pace had in mind. Unfortunately no plan survives first implementation. However, slowly but surely it looks like things might be shifting in that direction.
It started when the Bears made a slight tweak to their depth chart going into their padded practice on August 2nd. It involved promoting the rookie quarterback to the #2 offense after spending his first week with the 3s. This would give him his first chance to work with a number of the starters, particularly at wide receiver.
One name who was flip-flopping between the 1st and 2nd units was third-year man White. Up to this point the former first round pick had made a handful of nice plays but wasn’t truly flashing. His position coach Zach Azzanni even admitted the young man was struggling with his confidence. So they decided to buck him up with footage of his outstanding work at West Virginia. A reminder he knows how to do this.
Safe to say it had an effect.
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Mitch Trubisky Kevin White combo struck early and often
Of course being paired with the accurate Trubisky was an added bonus. The two didn’t take long to hook up when practice drills began. It seemed like White had a bit more energy and ran with more purpose. He attacked the ball in the air and it led to some nice plays.
Mitchell Trubisky with a strike to Kevin White. It's been a good practice for the Bears' 2015 first-round pick.
— Chris Emma (@CEmma670) August 2, 2017
Kevin White is having a good practice. He's been targeted early and often in 7-on-7 and full team.
— Jeff Dickerson (@DickersonESPN) August 2, 2017
Trubisky to White. Ball hasn't touched the ground yet. Great pace by the offense
— Andrew Link (@BearsLink82) August 2, 2017
Looks like the confidence boosting is working for Kevin White, who again worked the sideline and toes for a big gain against Johnthan Banks.
— Robert Zeglinski (@RobertZeglinski) August 2, 2017
There was plenty to take away from this. First of course is the fact that Trubisky got promoted. This shouldn’t be a big surprise. It was a matter of time before he got by Mark Sanchez for that spot. Sanchez is a great veteran presence but he is in no way superior to Trubisky at this point save for experience. The real battle will be to see if the rookie can progress enough where he becomes a true threat to Mike Glennon.
At this stage that appears unlikely. Glennon may be humble and unworried in interviews, but it’s clear he believes the competition is real. His play in practice proves that much. Though not as flashy, he’s been efficient and a vocal leader on the field. Either way it’s encouraging news for White more than anybody.
For the first time in training camp he began to look less like a pass catcher and more like a force. He wasn’t taking what the defense gave him. He was taking what he wanted. That’s the kind of guy fans are hoping to see in 2017.
