Could past quarterback competitions shed any light on what to expect in the upcoming Chicago Bears quarterback competition? Experts have weighed in with their opinions. Each side has their favorite. Nick Foles has the Super Bowl ring and the deep connections to the revamped coaching staff. Mitch Trubisky has greater knowledge of the system, is a better athlete, and stronger ties to his teammates.
Then throw in the COVID-19 situation with no minicamps, no OTAs, and a shortened preseason? It’s become almost impossible to predict how this could play out. So maybe looking back at prior notable quarterback battles could shed some light. As it turns out, this is true. One persistent theme that seemed to come up consistently?
Teams tended to favor the more experienced quarterback. Not necessarily in age but more in games started and seasons played.
- Joe Montana defeated Steve Young
- Norm Van Brocklin defeated Bob Waterfield
- Doug Flutie defeated Rob Johnson
- Phil Simms defeated Jeff Hostetler
- Bernie Kosar defeated Vinnie Testaverde
- Craig Morton over Roger Staubach
Of those instances, Van Brocklin was the only one who to emerge victorious as the less experienced quarterback. Montana beat out Young in 1988 and 1989. Flutie beat out Johnson in 1999. Simms beat out Hostetler in 1991. Kosar beat out Testaverde in 1993 and Morton held off Staubach (initially) in 1971.
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Nick Foles has this edge over Trubisky
Looking at it from this perspective, Foles has the advantage. Not only is he six years older than Trubisky, he’s also appeared in 25 more games in his career. The experience is invaluable in a situation like this. It’s prepared him for any situation, no matter how difficult mentally. That calm under duress gets communicated to players in the huddle. This leads to better execution.
Now, this doesn’t mean Foles will hang onto the job. One thing about those competitions mentioned prior? Injuries had a notable impact on them after a season began. Given the fact that Foles has yet to complete a full season in his career, it’s hard not to see Trubisky getting action at some point. When it comes to picking an opening day starter though?
History favors the more seasoned man. That is Foles.