The Chicago Bears will have a new starting quarterback in Nick Foles when they host the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. Foles replaced quarterback Mitchell Trubisky in the team’s last game against the Falcons and led to a come from behind victory. Although many believe Trubisky has started his final game as a Chicago Bear, NFL history has shown it is likely he will play again this year.
#Bears coach Matt Nagy announces the obvious: Nick Foles is now their starting QB.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 28, 2020
Foles gives the Bears’ offense a deep threat dimension that was not there before with Trubisky at quarterback. Against the Falcons, the former Super Bowl MVP connects on several throws that were 20-yards or longer. One of the reasons for Trubisky’s benching was due in part to an overthrow to wide receiver Anthony Miller which would have resulted in a touchdown if completed.
3. The TD throw to Miller was the icing on the cake but it wasn't Nick Foles' most critical.
That came earlier in the 4th quarter. Down 26-10 and facing 4th down, he delivered this gem to Ted Ginn Jr. for 29 yards.
This despite Atlanta dropping 8 in coverage. #Bears pic.twitter.com/hBb92mmbnR
— Erik Lambert (@ErikLambert1) September 28, 2020
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On Sunday, the Bears’ passing game will look different as different passes will be seen with Foles that have not been seen with Trubisky. It will be interesting to see how long it is before opposing defenses figure out and game plan against the Bears’ new-look offense. When that happens, and if Foles struggles, head coach Matt Nagy may have to go back to Trubisky
Last season in Jacksonville, Foles suffered a shoulder injury in week one that kept him sidelined until week 11. When he returned, the quarterback struggled and was benched three weeks later for Gardner Minshew. Minshew was benched in week 11 because he played poorly, leading up to Foles’ return from injury.
Gardner Minshew will start the second half at QB for the #Jaguars. Nick Foles benched.
— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate) December 1, 2019
There have been several instances where a starting quarterback that was benched for poor play early in the season returned to start again later on. A prime example was Rex Grossman in 2007. After a 1-2 start in which Grossman recorded just one touchdown pass to six interceptions, he was benched and replaced by Brian Griese. Griese started six games before being knocked out in week 11 due to a shoulder injury. Although healthy the next week, Grossman retained the starters’ role while the former Broncos’ quarterback never started again in 2007.
In recent years it has been seen even with the greatest of NFL quarterbacks. In 2015, Peyton Manning was benched due to poor play in week 10 but regained his starting role for the playoffs after coming off the bench in week 17 to lead the Broncos to victory.
The decision to have Trubisky start again may not be in Nagy’s control as general manager Ryan Pace may have a say. The quarterback that was the 2017 second overall selection is Pace’s most important of his managerial career. If there is an opportunity for Trubisky to start, the Bears’ general manager may be vocal about it. A great example of this is the 1999 Buffalo Bills with Doug Flutie and Rob Johnson. Flutie had led the Bills to a 10-5 record but was rested in the team’s final game that saw the younger quarterback start. Johnson, who had a large contract with the team, started the playoff game the following week against the Tennessee Titans. It has been noted that the decision wasn’t head coach Wade Phillips’ decision, but upper management’s.
Bears’ fans and media have every reason to be excited to see Foles start against the Colts on Sunday, but need to remember it might not last the rest of the season. Whether due to injury, poor play, or internal decisions, the Bears have not seen the last of Trubisky. One way or another, it is likely the quarterback that started the season will have another snap before the end of the season.
