Sometimes a team has to know when to make a change. One that the outside world may not expect but the proof has become way too massive to ignore. The Chicago Bears have reached that point regarding their edge rusher position. Going into 2021, they know one thing for sure. Khalil Mack will start and he’ll probably give them 8-10 sacks at least. What nobody can say for sure is what will happen across from him. Everybody wants to think Robert Quinn will rebound from his rough 2020. In reality? It might be time to hand that job to Trevis Gipson.
No, this is not a joke. Keep some things in mind first of all. Quinn once again went through training camp and the preseason not 100% healthy. The first game hasn’t happened yet and he’s already limited in practice with back problems. Also, don’t forget the Bears traded up for Gipson last year. It was apparent they had high expectations for him. Expectations he is starting to meet. Don’t believe it? Let’s run the numbers from last year.
Robert Quinn
- 374 pass rush snaps
- 33 pressures
- 6 QB hits
- 2 sacks
Trevis Gipson
- 41 pass rush snaps
- 4 pressures
- 3 QB hits
- 0 sacks
Looking at these stats? Quinn applied pressure on the quarterback on 8.82% of his pass rush snaps in 2020. Gipson, a rookie who’d never played outside linebacker before, applied pressure on 9.75%. He didn’t do this against cupcakes either. His best game was Week 14 against Houston where he beat Texans Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil more than once to pressure Deshaun Watson. Those glimpses have only grown more frequent since then.
Gipson was one of the best players during the entire preseason. Not just for the Bears but in the entire NFL. In 69 pass rush snaps, he compiled 10 pressures including a sack and three quarterback hits. That equated to a 14.49% pressure rate. By contrast, Quinn logged 15 pass rush snaps. He managed just one pressure. With all due respect to the player he was, evidence is mounting that Quinn just doesn’t have it anymore.
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Rookie 5th round pick Trevis Gipson has played 67 snaps this season and gotten to rush the passer on only about 35 or so of those but this is a rep to be proud of. Beats Tunsil clean inside to force Watson off his spot. pic.twitter.com/HmGlk8aKyE
— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) December 31, 2020
Impressive body lean here by Trevis Gipson. That’s how productive pass rushers look coming off the edge. Year 2 jump from @trevisgipson would be big for Bears. pic.twitter.com/s8v7P16xW8
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) August 14, 2021
Trevis Gipson is young, healthy, and ready
He is far more prepared to log extensive snaps as a starter. His body has been remade and his repertoire of moves has significantly improved from last season. Yes, the Bears are paying Quinn a lot of money. It is natural to feel an urgency to get some sort of return on that investment. At the same time, the coaches have an obligation to play the best player at every position. Evidence to this point suggests Trevis Gipson is that guy.
That doesn’t mean Quinn won’t contribute. If anything, not being a full-time starter may serve him better. He’d only have to come in for pass rush situations, keeping his body as healthy and fresh as possible. All the while, Gipson can gain valuable experience and continue to expand his understanding of the game. Presuming he takes a big step forward, the future of the Bears’ pass rush will be assured.
It is a crazy development.
Chicago already has one of their 5th round picks from 2020 poised for big things in Darnell Mooney. Many envision him reaching star status if he can get a good enough quarterback. If Gipson ascends as well? The Bears will have secured two starters in the 5th round of the same draft. That just doesn’t happen. It would be something that reminds everybody that Ryan Pace can be a good GM.