Although the Bears walked off the field after their improbable playoff loss on January 6, 2019 to the Philadelphia Eagles, the team appeared to be in good hands moving forward with 24-year old Mitch Trubisky at the helm. After all, he led the team to a 12-4 record, over 3200 yards passing, 24 touchdowns and a Pro Bowl appearance.

The 2019 season started quickly for the team, winning three of their first four. After five defeats over the next six games, the Bears rebounded to a 4-2 finish, but missed the playoffs with an 8-8 mark, third in the NFC North. As inconsistent as the team was, so was Trubisky.  His completion percentage, average per attempt, yards and touchdowns were all down from his 2018 campaign and looked lost much of the time behind center.

The Bears went out to sign veteran Nick Foles via free agency and buzz around the team and league is that Trubisky’s job was in danger. But for the 25-year old, while surprised, he took it as a motivating factor, feeling the competition for the spot will be good for him. But don’t be fooled, Trubisky still believes the team is his, despite the fact that the Bears declined his $24.8 million fifth year contract option.

Trubisky was 28th in QBR, 27th in touchdowns, last in yards per attempt, 28th in quarterback rating and 21st in passing yards.  Perhaps the addition of Foles is more to keep Trubisky battling, not taking his job for granted, but perhaps a change is in order.

Looking at the resume of Foles, it’s been very interesting, basically Philadelphia or bust. Of course, all remember his run through the 2018 playoffs to lead the Eagles to their first Super Bowl title and his 27 touchdown to two interception 2013 campaign. As good as he’s been in Philadelphia, he’s struggled equally as much in stays in St. Louis and Jacksonville.

Although Trubisky struggled, some can be attributed to playing with a partially torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder. He won’t offer excuses and realizes he needs to get back to camp to show his teammates and coaches the hard work he’s put in this offseason. 

The goal is to improve details on offense, remain healthy, get everyone on the same page , play smart football, limit error and go out there and win games. Coach Nagy admits it’s difficult to determine at this point how Trubisky will respond until the team gets together and out on the field.  He admits that both Trubisky and Foles are cerebral, always deeply involved, asking questions and constantly learning.

There’s no question that the most talked about topic for the Bears at the moment is the quarterback position and particularly Trubisky’s status since he could become a free agent after this upcoming season.

Was Foles brought in to be the starting quarterback? Will there be a legitimate quarterback competition in camp? Who will be the starter come opening day? None of those questions are certain, but what is certain is that Trubisky feels good about where he is, the team and his possibilities, this year and moving forward. Quarterback controversy? That’s not the focus for the 25-year old Trubisky, who is focused on the here and now.  He, like many of us, can’t wait for the 2020 NFL season to get underway.replica watches