Aug 10, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (10) throws a pass during the second half against the Denver Broncos at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports The Chicago Bears are turning to rookie quarterback Mitch Trubisky.
Mitchell Trubisky will start under the lights Monday for the Chicago Bears against their divisional foe, the Minnesota Vikings.
After Mike Glennon’s lackluster performance the first four weeks, the Chicago Bears have decided to make a change at the quarterback position. They will start their 2017 second overall draft pick in place of the veteran.
The major knock on Trubisky coming out of college was that he had only started one season at the University of North Carolina Tar Heels. They wanted to see more before passing judgment. Some critics even said it was concerning that he could not win the starting position over the incumbent quarterback Marquise Williams.
What Trubisky did show in his only season starting was accuracy, sound mechanics, and overall athletic ability. He passed for 30 touchdowns to only 6 interceptions in the 2016 campaign to go with an eye-popping 157.9 quarterback rating and a 68% completion rating.
An aspect of his game that is not talked about enough is his speed. He ran a 4.67-second 40-yard dash. In comparison, Deshaun Watson, a player known for his speed and rushing abilities also ran a 4.67-second 40-yard dash. Watson averaged .5 more yards per carry in 2016.
With his speed, he is able to extend plays and complements the Bears offense much more than Glennon did. The Bears want to run the ball, that’s no secret. Since everyone knows that’s what they want to do, opposing teams will continue to stack the box with defenders until the Bears can move the ball through the air. While Glennon struggled running play action, this is an area where Trubisky excels and will help open running lanes for Jordan Howard and Tarik Cohen.
In the preseason, the Mentor, Ohio product showed he could throw on the run with impressive accuracy. This is on full display with his first touchdown pass to Victor Cruz.
Throwing on the run is difficult by itself, but going to the left as a right-handed thrower makes things more difficult. You see Trubisky square up his shoulders, then throw a strike to Cruz for the touchdown. This is a throw he made a few times during the preseason.
Against the Vikings, we will probably see more of this style of offense. Trubisky played in a system at UNC where he was almost always in shotgun, so expect to see more shotgun formations than the Bears had run weeks one through four this season to make him more comfortable.
In a press conference announcing the quarterback change, Trubisky stated that he was not nervous for the game, but rather feels ready for the moment.
“You only get nervous or feel pressure when you’re not prepared for the situation or you don’t know what you’re doing,” Trubisky said.
Monday night will not be an easy test for the former Tar Heel. The Vikings defense terrorized the Lions offense last week sacking Matthew Stafford six times and surrendering only 14 points. It’s a defense that has ranked in the top 10 in many defensive categories for the last couple seasons.
With the Bears playing last Thursday, It gives Trubisky extra time to prepare for the Monday night game.
While many are excited to see the rookie quarterback start, Bears head coach John Fox expressed some concerns but recognized Trubisky has made strides since training camp.
“I think with this extra time to prepare for the Minnesota Vikings, I think the timing works out pretty well as far as his preparation,” Fox said “Will he make mistakes? I’m sure. But I think he’s ready for it.”
The eyes of all of the NFL will be on Trubisky Monday night. It is time to see what the Bears have with their young quarterback. The future is here in Chicago.
