Chicago Bears must let Mitch Trubisky throw more often
The Chicago Bears have done a fine job protecting Mitch Trubisky from harm during his first two NFL starts. If they want him to grow into a franchise quarterback, though, the organization must let Trubisky play more freely.
With just two regular season starts under his belt, Mitch Trubisky’s play has left plenty to be desired. The Chicago Bears have shielded him from being exposed often by veteran, savvy defenses.
For the sake of Trubisky’s long-term development, that tactical approach needs to change quickly. It’s time for John Fox and his coaching staff to take off Trubisky’s training wheels. Let the rookie quarterback display his talent on a regular basis rather than just on a few plays here and there.
More from Da Windy City
- Juan Soto appears headed to the Yankees which is not a big blow Chicago Cubs offseason
- 3 takeaways from Chicago Blackhawks shootout loss to Nashville
- Chicago Cubs in the middle of chaos that is Shohei Ohtani’s free agency
- The Chicago Cubs are on a roller coaster of emotions chasing Shohei Ohtani
- Chicago Bears quietly compiling list of head coaching candidates
Bears’ fans are into the team more than ever because of the curiosity that comes naturally with watching this year’s second-overall pick play. The organization bet the farm for years to come in hopes that Trubisky develops into a long-term franchise quarterback. Why not try to accelerate that maturation process by letting him throw more often during games?
Trubisky throws a beautiful, catchable ball with plenty of zip when needed. Furthermore, he’s best suited throwing on the run. His ability to extend plays outside the pocket is what makes him special in the eyes of both his coaches and players.
The time is now to let that all that talent loose, regardless of if mistakes are made along the way.
Despite challenges, let the kid play
Are the Bears really good enough to come back from their 2-4 record to make a late playoff run? Their defense is…no question. But their offense, mainly because of injuries to the wide receiver position, is not.
The organization has put Trubisky in a very difficult situation moving forward. Because of the lack of weapons presented to him on offense, the coaching staff is hesitant to place too much burden on Trubisky’s arm in games. They’d rather win tough, grind-it-out defensive games while heavily running the ball in hopes of controlling the time of possession.
If the Bears were truly a playoff contender, that strategy would work fine in the short-term. Let’s stop kidding ourselves though.
Even with Aaron Rodgers’ collarbone injury, the Bears aren’t likely making it into the playoffs. Their in-game coaching is just too poor to justify any semblance of hope in winning big games this season.
Therefore, John Fox and his staff must let Trubisky learn how to play through mistakes made during games. That implies having him throw the ball more, regardless of who’s catching the passes.
https://twitter.com/NFL/status/919638496964354048
Go through the growing pains now rather than later. Unfortunately, Fox doesn’t have Trubisky’s main interests in heart. His job security is the only interest that matters to him right now.
Winning games this season should be predicated on the arm of Trubisky, not on the coaching staff’s conservative play calling.
If Trubisky performs poorly from here on out, it’s safe to conclude that Fox won’t be returning next season. If he performs great though, it’s a different story.
The likeliest scenario is that Trubisky experiences a heavy dose of both highs and lows this season. If the team actually decides to open up the offense for him.
There is nothing wrong with opening up a restricted offense. Trubisky is far from being a finished product on the field anyway. But while the Bears have invested in Trubisky long-term, the same probably cannot be said about Fox’s coaching status.
Being shielded from making mistakes early on can actually hinder a player’s long-term development. Placing your franchise quarterback in bubble-wrap as he plays is not going to make him a more confident quarterback early on, especially if he only attempts 15 passes a game.
Next: Chicago Bears vs. Carolina Panthers: Preview, Game Time
The truly great quarterbacks are the ones who aren’t afraid to take chances nor make mistakes. Trubisky exhibits that coveted quality. He can turn a “nothing” play into something great when playing freely at ease.
If Fox realizes this more often during the course of competitive games, maybe the Bears can pull out a few more unexpected wins this year. And that will go a long way towards allowing Trubisky to develop into the franchise quarterback this organization has long been starving for.