The Chicago Bears didn’t find a lot of supporters in their decision to keep Mitch Trubisky as their starting quarterback. At the same time, not a lot of people were surprised either. After investing so many resources and so much time into the former #2 overall pick, it’s felt they almost have to give the 26-year old one last chance to save his career.
Now to be fair, all signs out of training camp were Trubisky showed improvement. His accuracy was better and he showed progress with his footwork. A persistent issue in 2019. Head coach Matt Nagy saw enough to make him comfortable with keeping the status quo. It was absolutely his decision, contrary to the conspiracy that GM Ryan Pace pressured him in that direction.
The reality is it doesn’t matter. Pretty much everybody doesn’t think Trubisky will hold onto the job long. Dan Pompei of The Athletic spoke to three different scouts about the situation. All three believe Nick Foles will end up starting. Why? The simple fact Mitch can’t play the position it was meant to be played.
Scout A
“They know Mitch, they know he can’t do it,” Scout A says. “I think it’s just a matter of time before Foles is the starter. He fits more what they want. He’s played better football in his career than Mitchell. You trust him more not to screw it up.”
Scout B
“Trubisky doesn’t exude confidence,” he says. “It’s tough for a quarterback to rally the troops and be a leader and pick up his teammates when he doesn’t radiate confidence, which he doesn’t.”
Scout C
“Foles is the type of guy who will galvanize the entire locker room,” he says. “He’s really, really, really smart. He’ll bring poise. The thing about him is he plays his best when the pressure is on. If he starts the first week, he won’t look great. But after Oct. 31, he’s his most calm. As pressure goes up, his heart rate goes down.”
Mitch Trubisky is facing a stacked deck, like it or not
The general belief is the only reason Foles isn’t starting is because of the nature of this offseason. No minicamps, no OTAs, and no preseason. Would it have been wise to throw the veteran out there with basically just three weeks of practice getting to know the playbook and his new teammates? Going with Trubisky affords the Bears two things. It lets them get one final look at him to see if he really has improved. Meanwhile, it gives Foles more time to get settled into the system.
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It’s not the same as having an undoubted starting QB, but at least it comes across as an actual plan. The reality is Trubisky has few supporters outside Halas Hall. All of the mainstream media thinks he’s a lost cause. Plenty of Bears fans agree. The only way this changes is by going out and playing good football. That feels like its asking a lot at this point.