The Chicago Bears have gone a long time without a true franchise quarterback. This is not new information. It’s become a running joke across the NFL. No team has gone longer without a genuine star at the position than them. They’d hoped they found one in Jay Cutler. Nope. They’d hoped they’d found one in Mitch Trubisky. Not him either.
Now they’re trying to move forward with Nick Foles. While he is a former Super Bowl MVP and a consummate leader, nobody would consider him a star. Somebody worth building around for the future. Perhaps this season changes those perceptions. Time will tell. Until then the Bears must continue their hunt.
Thus far GM Ryan Pace has looked ill-suited to continue that search. His biggest moves at the position leave a lot to be desired. If the Bears are intent on keeping him around, perhaps the best course of action is bringing in somebody who can help. Someone with a track record of success at identifying good quarterbacks.
It just so happens the Atlanta Falcons may have just obliged.
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BREAKING NEWS: General Manager Thomas Dimitroff and Head Coach Dan Quinn have been relieved of their duties, effective immediately.
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) October 12, 2020
Chicago Bears could get lots from hiring Dimitroff
The firing of Thomas Dimitroff wasn’t a huge surprise. His team dropped to 0-5 on the season and he was on the hot seat for a long time. That said, it shouldn’t be misconstrued. The man was a capable GM for a long time. One doesn’t hold that job for 12 years without being pretty decent at it. A big reason for that longevity?
Getting the quarterback position right.
Dimitroff’s first-ever pick back in 2008 was Boston College standout Matt Ryan. While divisive to some in the NFL community, Ryan’s accomplishments speak for themselves.
- 4x Pro Bowler
- 2016 league MVP
- Falcons passing leader in yards and TDs
That is what they call a draft hit for Dimitroff.
It’s not the only one he was part of though. In 2002, he became a national scout for the New England Patriots. Three years later he was their college scouting director when they took a kid out of USC in the 7th round named Matt Cassel. After three seasons backing up Tom Brady, he stepped in as the starter in 2008 and led the Patriots to a 10-5 record, throwing 3,693 yards and 21 touchdowns.
Two seasons later he became the starter in Kansas City, led the Chiefs to the playoffs, and made the Pro Bowl. One can call that a productive career for a 7th round pick.
Dimitroff has seen the profile of what makes a successful NFL quarterback. His presence would only improve the Bears’ chance of finally finding one.