Nick Foles or Mitch Trubisky? After months of waiting, the battle has finally begun. Both quarterbacks were on the field and throwing at Halas Hall for the Chicago Bears. According to Matt Nagy, both looked sharp with minimal rust. He’s anxious to see how things start playing out once the defense gets on the field as well.

Playing against an elite unit like that is a fast way to determine which quarterback won’t be able to handle the pressure. Chuck Pagano sounded like a man who doesn’t plan to take prisoners. He intends to make it hard on both of them. No doubt at the behest of Nagy himself. It will come down to which guy can withstand the storm.

Patrik Walker of CBS Sports believes Foles will be that man. Even if the 32-year old doesn’t start the season, Walker thinks the veteran will end up the starter and lead the Bears to a wild card berth.

“Although Minshew cooled a bit just ahead of being replaced by Foles in November but it was clear head coach Doug Marrone was eyeing Minshew as the future, and he’d eventually bench Foles to achieve that mission. But, for Foles, late-season struggles after having returned from injury, he didn’t exactly look washed up, but instead like a guy who might not have been quite 100 percent physically.

Now fully healthy, it’s a good time to remember he’s a former Super Bowl MVP who heads to Chicago to battle a thus far disappointing Mitch Trubisky. It’s easy to presume the latter will begin the season as starter but don’t be surprised if he ends the year on the bench. Foles is a proven veteran who simply needs a fresh start after having swam through the swamp that is the Jaguars, and likely feels this could be his last chance to again make some magic.”

Nick Foles is late to the race but he’s known to finish strong

Nagy and the Bears have insisted from the start that both quarterbacks are being given an even playing field. There is no favoritism involved. Whoever performs better in practices ahead of the opener on September 13th will get the nod. Trubisky did have the advantage of an early start being able to throw with his receivers. That should lead to smoother chemistry early on.

However, don’t expect Foles to let that edge linger long. He’s known for being a tireless worker and tends to perform his best when the stakes are high. That Super Bowl ring is an important reminder of that. There is a reason the Bears traded for him.