Chicago Bears: Another year, more hate towards Mitchell Trubisky
No matter what he does, Chicago Bears quarterback Mitch Trubisky continues to attract criticism that borders on hate.
As the Chicago Bears 2018 season progressed, many of the so-called experts kept targeting second-year quarterback Mitchell Trubisky. Even as the team played better each week, the talk was that the reason the magical season would go down would be because of him. Heck, there were some who thought (or still think) that Trubisky wouldn’t even be on the roster past the 2020 season.
At the midseason point last season, here was NFL.com‘s ranking of quarterbacks. Trubisky stood at 26th, behind Blake Bortles, Jameis Winston (even though he only played in four games), and Marcus Mariota.
We all know that the Bears’ season did not go down in flames because of Trubisky. In fact, while people talk about his interceptions, he went the final three regular-season games without throwing a pick. Then, in the playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles, he had a gem of a game.
Trubisky completed 26-of-43 passes for 303 yards and a touchdown. He also generated a great drive at the end of the game that set up an opportunity for a game-winning touchdown. Then the kick sent the season down in flames.
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In 2018, Trubisky completed 289-of-434 passes (67 percent completion rate) for 3,223 yards and 24 touchdowns against 12 interceptions. He also made the Pro Bowl. You’d think that another offseason in this offense and the experts would think he’d be better, right? Well, you’d be wrong.
The coaches rave about how much better Trubisky is now than he was at this point last year. He’s handling the offense better and is much more confident. This is what head coach Matt Nagy said about Trubisky, per NFL.com:
"Right now we’re both really happy. We’re excited, and I think I’m cautiously optimistic about our offense in general and just our team."
So the coaches are happy and the players on offense are happy. Why, then, is there more hate on the young quarterback?
This is what Colin Cowherd of The Herd with Colin Cowherd said about Trubisky.
"Mitch Trubisky had a very Jared Goff first year and a very Jared Goff second year and made a big leap, but the difference is, when I watch Goff I see an arm talent that is elite and getting better. When I watch Trubisky I see a really good athlete who is not an elite arm talent. My eyes tell me there’s a much lower ceiling for Trubisky than Goff."
Cowherd even said that when Nagy had that frustrated look of defeat after the playoff game it was because of Trubisky’s performance. I don’t think he saw the same game film as the rest of us saw.
Here is what Establishtherun.com and former Rotoworld/NBC writer Evan Silva tweeted recently on Trubisky. He’s been absolutely trashing the quarterback all season long and has gone as far as blocking anyone who dares defend Trubisky.
Finally a positive report on #Bears QB Mitchell Trubisky, even if it’s rooted in coachspeak. Chicago Tribune & Sun-Times have detailed Trubisky’s August ups & downs: https://t.co/MVAVH7OrCX
— Evan Silva (@evansilva) August 14, 2019
Whenever Trubisky throws an interception or has an incomplete pass in practice it seems like it’s front-page news. I saw recently that Jimmy Garoppolo threw five consecutive interceptions in practice. Is there any concern about him?
The dislike for Trubisky is confusing. This is a kid who tries to be the best player he can be and follows whatever orders the coaching staff gives him. He doesn’t get in trouble and says the right things.
I understood why former Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler took a lot of heat. Love him or hate him, you have to admit his actions and body language was just not what people wanted from the face of the franchise. Trubisky is the anti-Cutler.
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Okay, I understand that Trubisky had an up-and-down training camp. Keep in mind, however, that he’s going up against the best defense in the NFL on a daily basis. Yes, he takes a beating sometimes but he also dishes one out as well. Having to deal with Akiem Hicks, Khalil Mack, Kyle Fuller and Eddie Jackson is bound to make one a better quarterback.
I’m starting to think that, even if Trubisky leads the Chicago Bears to a Super Bowl win, there will be people still finding fault in his game. I hope we get to test that theory in February.