Chicago Bears: Evaluating Trubisky among 2017 quarterback draft class

Mitchell Trubisky

First, the situation. Trubisky came into the 2018 season after starting twelve games on a Bears team in 2017 that had no offensive potential from the start. The first wide receiver on the Bears’ depth chart last season was none other than Kendall Wright. The Arizona Cardinals cut Wright this season after just one week on the team.

The only two offensive weapons of any sort on the 2017 Bears were running backs Jordan Howard and Tarik Cohen. Unfortunately, the head coach at the time, John Fox, used those weapons very predictably, limiting their effectiveness.

Point being, Trubisky’s rookie season was a wash. His coach didn’t develop him, and he didn’t have much talent to work with on offense. Enter Matt Nagy last offseason, and Trubisky had the tall task of tackling one of the most complex offensive playbooks in football in just one offseason. He didn’t get opportunity to ride the bench and observe the offense, as many young quarterbacks get.

Second, the numbers. In 14 starts this season, Trubisky completed 66.6 percent of his passes for 230.2 passing yards per game and 24 passing touchdowns while throwing 12 interceptions. He also ran the ball 68 times for 421 rushing yards (6.2 average) and three rushing touchdowns. Modest passing numbers, but a huge step in the right direction.

In his first career playoff start, Trubisky completed 26 of 43 passes for 303 yards and one touchdown with no interceptions in a Wild Card loss to the Philadephia Eagles. While it was ultimately not enough to win the game, he took care of the football and made key throws when the Bears needed it most.

Trubisky’s sophomore campaign should be viewed as a success. His numbers drastically improved from last season, and he led his team to a 12-4 record and a division title. Bears fans have much to look forward to as Trubisky heads into his first full offseason with a great coach who has seen his value from the start.