One of the biggest questions this offseason involves, what else, the quarterback position. Mitchell Trubisky is looking less and less likely that he’s the future in Chicago, the latest example coming from a disappointing 2019 season where he regressed tremendously.
But if there’s anyone that can fix Trubisky, it’s quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo.
DeFilippo’s reputation of molding young quarterbacks makes him the perfect addition as Bears quarterbacks coach, as they look to salvage something from Trubisky in his fourth season.
“I’ve had a lot of experience with a lot of young players,” DeFilippo said on Bears All-Access. “That’s just kind of been the situations I’ve been thrown into. I think that’s a good thing. I think that helps you learn how to teach a bunch of young guys. Obviously, Mitchell’s not a rookie or a second-year guy. But at the same time, he’s still kind of a fresh player in the NFL who’s impressionable. You can shape him in certain things you want him to do.
“So I think a lot of the young guys I’ve had that have had success, whether it be Derek Carr, Carson Wentz, Gardner Minshew, who was a seven-time Rookie of the Week this year. I think it’s going to help out team, and I’m really looking forward to helping Coach Nagy and Coach Lazor do what they want to do.”
The Bears have overhauled their offensive staff, finding coaches that specialize in the offense’s weaknesses, quarterback among them. DeFilippo, who interviewed for the Bears head coaching job in 2018, has familiarity with Trubisky, as he likely had to pitch how he could help mold the young quarterback.
Considering the high expectations for Trubisky in 2019, his regression was big cause for concern. The Bears don’t have time to waste their championship-caliber defense. But it’s also too soon to give up on Trubisky, especially with one year left on his rookie contract.
Whether Trubisky is the long term answer for the Bears will become clear as the offseason progresses. Chicago will no doubt bring in veteran competition for Trubisky, and possibly bring in a young quarterback through the NFL Draft.
But depending on which quarterback they bring in — a high-profile free agent that demands a starting role or a competent veteran backup — will show you just how confident Ryan Pace really is when it comes to Trubisky’s future.
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