This offseason has been different for Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky. And not just because of the coronavirus pandemic and virtual offseason program. Trubisky will now have to compete for the starting quarterback job with veteran Nick Foles.
Not exactly what you’d expect to hear about your former No. 2 overall pick.
Still, it’s a unique opportunity for Trubisky, who’s facing his last shot in Chicago following an ugly 2019 season. Though, to be fair, receiver Allen Robinson might’ve been the only thing that wasn’t ugly on offense last season for Chicago.
The Bears have insisted that they still believe in Trubisky, but they’ve done everything this offseason that indicates otherwise. Whether that’s trading for Foles or declining Trubisky’s fifth-year option, Chicago appears prepared for a future without Trubisky.
Kade McClure, a White Sox pitching prospect and Trubisky’s friend from Mentor, has been in contact with Trubisky this offseason. Despite the Bears’ decisions this offseason, Trubisky is more motivated than ever.
“I texted Mitch right after all of that, and he was like, ‘Let’s go! Let’s go!’ ” McClure said, via The News-Herald. “Mitch is a competitive and confident guy. I don’t think he’s too worried about Nick Foles. He’s motivated more than ever, and definitely not going to bow down to (Foles). I know this, Mitch will fight and compete.”
Trubisky’s regression in his third year was cause for concern. Considering he was headed into his second year of Matt Nagy’s offense, 2019 was supposed to be the year where Trubisky put everything together. Instead, he had his worst year as a pro.
He completed 63.2% of his passes, threw for 3,138 yards for 17 touchdowns and 10 interceptions last season. Trubisky’s passer rating also dipped from 95.4 in 2018 to 83.0 in 2019.
“Mitch knows he had a down year,” said McClure, who played football and basketball with Trubisky at Mentor. “But his confidence is at an all-time high.”
Despite the Bears making the move to trade for Foles, the hope remains that this will be the year where Trubisky finally puts it all together and proves that he’s the quarterback Ryan Pace thought he drafted. We’ll see if that confidence helps Trubisky in his battle with Foles for the starting spot.
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