Chicago Bears: How Mitch Trubisky can benefit from injury

All is not lost for the Chicago Bears after the Trubisky injury, which could end up helping him in the long run.

You have to feel for Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky. He has certainly been under fire this year as the offense tries to find its groove. He seemed to make significant strides in that area in their Monday Night Football game against the Washington Redskins and the hope was he’d continue that momentum into the Minnesota Vikings game.

That momentum, if any, lasted six plays as Trubisky was injured on their opening drive. We later learned that he dislocated his non-throwing shoulder with a slight labrum tear.

While it sounds like he won’t play this Sunday against the Oakland Raiders in London, it also doesn’t sound like he’ll be out very long. In fact, he could return to face the New Orleans Saints in Week 7 following the team’s bye next week.

But a fair question to ask is what will he be when he returns? Obviously Mitch is at his best when he utilizes his ability to escape the pocket and extend plays with his legs. Whether that’s on designed runs, RPOs, or simply scrambling, using his feet is a big (and successful) part of his game.

However, after suffering a dislocated shoulder, the likelihood of a reoccurrence is much higher. Putting himself in a position to take more hits will only increase those chances.

Therefore, perhaps Matt Nagy crafts his gameplan in a way that keeps Mitch in the pocket and utilizes more quick throws, either to the flats or on slants, to minimize the number of hits he takes. In any event, you’d have to expect Mitch to run a lot less than he currently does, which may, in the end, help him improve going through his progressions.

Maybe without the safety net of being able to escape the pocket, he’ll have to stand in the pocket, allow the play to develop, and go through his reads — something he seemed to improve as last season went on but has gotten away from a bit this year.

There have been times this year where he’s seemingly had some time in the pocket but bailed early rather than stand in and deliver. His injury may cause him to think twice about taking off and rather get the ball out quickly to his playmakers.

It is somewhat reminiscent of what Aaron Rodgers did against the Bears in last season’s opening game. His leg injury severely limited his mobility, forcing him to stand in the pocket and deliver quick short passes, which turned out to be the Achilles heel of the Bears defense that day.

Could Mitch similarly benefit from one of his biggest strengths being taken away forcing him to work on his weaknesses? Time will tell but from a discouraging injury could come a silver lining.