Tag: Mitch Trubisky

Can Bears QB Mitchell Trubisky continue his success in final four games?

Bears QB Mitchell Trubisky is coming off his best performance this season. Can he continue the success he’s had in the last 4 games?

The Chicago Bears are hoping that quarterback Mitchell Trubisky’s success against the Detroit Lions over the last month will translate into the final quarter of the season.

Trubisky had arguably the best performance of his career against the Lions on Thanksgiving, where he orchestrated two second-half scoring drives to lead the Bears back from a 10-point deficit.

There’s no denying the success that Trubisky has had against the Lions — especially this season. Trubisky has thrown six touchdowns against Detroit alone this season, in comparison to seven against every other team. He also has posted a 124.4 passer rating against Detroit compared to 72.15 against the rest of the NFL.

But the question becomes: Can Trubisky carry over that success against more difficult opponents, including the Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, Kansas City Chiefs and Minnesota Vikings?

“Regardless of who our opponent is — and sometimes players play better vs. some opponents — I said it [Thursday] night — it’s been three games, really four games now that Mitch has really stacked some strong games together with decision-making,” Bears coach Matt Nagy said, via the Sun-Times. “And again, others have stepped up. And we got a nice balance going. And can it improve? Yes, absolutely. But we like what we did [Thursday].”

Nagy believes that Trubisky’s success over the past four games can certainly carry over into the final quarter of the season.

“The biggest thing is just the confidence that you felt from him making conviction throws,” Nagy said. “And then just the one interception that occurred, you never felt like something bad was going to happen on the next play. You didn’t feel that on the sideline.

“He came back and just started firing away. Guys were making plays and the run game was going.”

Nagy has been impressed with Trubisky’s decision-making in these last four games, particularly his ability to go through his progressions against the Lions last Thursday.

“That’s the timing of this offense,” Nagy said. “When you throw the ball, a three-hitch throw and they popped a zone on us and he threw it to the right guy in zone, it’s hard to stop. …

“The decisions that he made were on time. And I think this offense is built on timing and when you make the right decision on time, usually good things happen.”

Whether Trubisky can carry over that success to these final four games remains to be seen. But there’s no denying that Trubisky has looked like a different, better, quarterback over the past month.

[lawrence-related id=432018,432008,431956,431971,431976]

Bears’ Jesper Horsted displays promise as tight end prospect

The Bears have’t had production out of their tight ends this season, but it’s Jesper Horsted who’s turning out to be an intriguing prospect.

Tight end production has been virtually nonexistent for the Chicago Bears this season. But it’s receiver-turned-tight end Jesper Horsted who’s turning out to be an intriguing tight end prospect for the Bears.

With Trey Burton on injured reserve and Adam Shaheen sidelined with a foot injury, Horsted was elevated to the active roster last week for the New York Giants game, where he saw four snaps on offense, including one reception for 4 yards, as well as eight special teams snaps. It was that experience that proved valuable for the former Princeton receiver that’s still learning the tight end position.

“Everything was at 100 mph last week, and it was just really nice to get that out of the way because this game I was really able to focus on my assignment more,” Horsted said, via the Chicago Tribune. “Last game, it was loud, it was fast, everything was big. This game, things kind of slowed down for me, and I was able to just focus on my assignment and do what I have been doing.”

Horsted, a preseason darling that impressed with his ability to make contested catches, came up big for the Bears in the third quarter in Thursday’s 24-20 victory over the Detroit Lions. Horsted’s lone reception of the game was a significant one — an 18-yard touchdown catch from quarterback Mitchell Trubisky that tied the game at 17-17.

“It wasn’t necessarily schemed for me,” Horsted said. “Thankfully, I had a good outside leverage on the man and it was a beautiful ball from Mitch. I wasn’t going to let that one drop. I knew I caught the ball but I want to go back and watch it. I knew it was a contested catch and I knew there was no way that ball was dropping. It was in slow motion and yet I really don’t remember what happened. I just remember looking the ball into my hands and rolling over so (Harris) couldn’t rip it out.

“I was very excited, but I had to go down for kickoff next, so you got to move on to the next play.”

With Burton sidelined for the remainder of the season, Shaheen’s status up in the air and Ben Braunecker recovering from a concussion, Horsted figures to get more opportunities next Thursday against the Dallas Cowboys.

Given that Horsted has only been playing tight end for six months, the more he continues to learn the position and get valuable reps, the more intriguing a prospect he figures to be heading into 2020.

[lawrence-related id=432018,432008,431956,431976]

‘Today was Mitch’s day’: Bears QB Mitchell Trubisky comes up clutch vs. Lions

Bears QB Mitchell Trubisky had his most impressive performance of the season on the national stage against the Lions.

The Chicago Bears had plenty to celebrate following Thursday’s 24-20 victory over the Detroit Lions. But perhaps none more so than the clutch performance of quarterback Mitchell Trubisky.

Trubisky had his best performance of the season — and one of the best of his career — against the Lions, where he orchestrated clutch scoring drives en route to a comeback victory.

In a game that was ugly at times, Trubisky shined completing 29-of-38 passes for 338 yards for three touchdowns and one interception for a 118.1 passer rating.

“A lot of players made a lot of plays, but today was Mitch’s day,” Nagy said., via The Athletic. “It was his day. He did a lot of things today in regards to making special throws at special times.”

Trubisky led the Bears back from a 10-point deficit, including two second-half scoring drives. But there was no drive as impressive as the nine-play, 90-yard scoring drive that was perhaps Trubisky’s best drive of his young career.

Trubisky connected with receiver Anthony Miller on two deep completions on third down, including a 32-yard completion on third-and-five that set up the game-winning touchdown pass to running back David Montgomery.

“He needed a game like that,” Miller said of Trubisky’s impressive performance. “That 90-yard drive, that’s not easy. It doesn’t matter who you’re playing in the NFL. It’s not easy at all. He just handled it with complete poise. I’m just so proud of him for doing it.”

Following his lone interception, Trubisky  completed 10-of-11 passes for two touchdowns, with his only incompletion being a drop.

“We had a quarterback that stepped up and made throws and gave our guys chances,” Nagy said. “And then when the chance was there to make a play, they made plays. I think that’s where we finally feel like, you get that, ‘OK, we know we can do this.’ It’s something that has to synchronize everybody together, whether it’s me calling the right play and then when the play is called, them executing it. We finally had one of those games where everything felt good for a majority of it.”

This performance against the Lions was the fourth straight in a string of positive performances for Trubisky, who struggled mightily most of this season. If Trubisky can keep playing well throughout these final four games in 2019, there might be hope yet as the Bears look to retool their offense in the offseason.

[lawrence-related id=431971,431976,431963,431942]

Bears WR Anthony Miller shines on career day vs. Lions

While WR Anthony Miller has had a rough sophomore season, he’s finding ways to restore faith that he can be productive for the Bears.

Anthony Miller’s career day started off anything but encouraging. The Bears’ second-year receiver had a slow start in the first half of Chicago’s comeback 24-20 victory over the Lions.

Miller dropped an eight-yard pass from quarterback Mitchell Trubisky in the first quarter. The play was initially ruled a fumble, but after review was ruled an incomplete pass. Then there was a costly fourth-down penalty, the ensuing play resulting in a turnover on downs.

‘‘What I’m thinking about is the first half I had; I think it was horrible,’’ Miller said, via the Sun-Times. ‘‘I think it’s one of the worst halves I’ve had since I’ve been playing in the league.’’

But things changed for Miller in the second half as he came alive in what was a career day — nine catches for 140 yards, including some clutch catches as the Bears overcame a 10-point deficit.

As the Bears were driving for the go-ahead score, Miller sparked the offense with three clutch receptions, including two third-down conversions, that got the Bears within striking distance.

‘‘They were dimes,’’ Miller said. ‘‘The ball’s where it’s supposed to be, and all I had to do was make the play.’’

Facing third-and-four on their own 16, Trubisky found Miller for a 35-yard reception that set the Bears up on the Lions’ 49. Then, facing third-and-five from the Lions’ 34, Miller completed a 32-yard reception that set the Bears up at the 2.

Two plays later, Trubisky found running back David Montgomery for a three-yard score that gave the Bears a 24-20 lead they wouldn’t relinquish.

In the last three games, Miller has caught 20 passes for 371 yards.

While Miller has had his share of struggles with the Bears in his first two seasons, these last couple of games seem to be restoring faith that the young receiver can make an impact for years to come.

[lawrence-related id=431963,431942,431933,431913]

WATCH: Bears take Club Dub on the road with Thanksgiving win vs. Lions

The Bears celebrated Thanksgiving with a divisional win over the Lions, which resulted in a return to Club Dub.

The Chicago Bears celebrated Thanksgiving with a divisional win over the Detroit Lions — and a back-to-back visit to Club Dub.

The Bears overcame a 10-point deficit and battled back to sweep the Lions this season, a victory that kept their slim playoff hopes alive heading into the final quarter of the season.

Bears coach Matt Nagy addressed his team following the victory, where he praised his team’s ability to fight through four quarters and stick together as a family.

“You can’t bring us down baby,” Nagy said. “That’s what it’s all about. We’re too strong. I’m telling you right now, I said it last night about family, that’s who we are.”

Nagy awarded the game ball to quarterback Mitchell Trubisky, who completed 29-of-38 passes for 338 yards with three touchdowns and one interception for a 118.1 passer rating.

Trubisky’s teammates were thrilled for him, as they surrounded him and congratulated him for what his most impressive effort this season.

With the Bears sitting at 6-6 with four games to go, things just got interesting.

[lawrence-related id=431942,431933,431913]

3 reasons to be thankful for Bears’ 24-20 win over Lions

The Bears emerged victorious in a comeback victory thanks to the performances of QB Mitch Trubisky, S Eddie Jackson and WR Anthony Miller.

The Chicago Bears (6-6) celebrated Thanksgiving with a clutch 24-20 victory over the Detroit Lions (3-8-1).

While the game was too close for one’s liking, the Bears battled through adversity and battled back from a 10-point deficit to earn their second straight win and their fourth consecutive against the Lions.

Here are three reasons to be thankful for the Bears’ Thanksgiving win over Detroit:

1. Mitchell Trubisky’s success vs. Lions

Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Mitchell Trubisky continued his success against the Lions with perhaps his best performance of the season on Thanksgiving Day. After finding success against Detroit in Week 10 — where he threw for three touchdowns — Trubisky continued that success against the Lions in Week 13.

Trubisky completed 29-of-38 passes for 338 yards with three touchdowns and one interception for a 118.1 passer rating. He notched a season-high in passing yards, as well as tied his season-high in touchdown passes.

While the game ultimately came down to a defensive stop, Trubisky did enough to rally the Bears down 10 points in the second quarter to notch their second straight win — and their fourth consecutive win over the Lions.

[lawrence-related id=431933,431913]

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3

Instant Analysis of Bears’ 24-20 win over Lions

The Bears overcame a 10-point deficit and notched their 2nd straight victory with a 24-20 victory over the Lions on Thanksgiving Day.

The Chicago Bears celebrated Thanksgiving with a 24-20 victory over the Detroit Lions. It was anything but a pretty win, but the win kept Chicago’s slim playoff hopes alive at 6-6.

The Bears overcame a 10-point deficit to defeat the Lions for a fourth consecutive time.

Chicago’s defense got off to a shaky start against third-string quarterback David Blough, who started the game with a 75-yard touchdown pass to Kenny Golladay. The Lions followed up that drive with a 10-play 78-yard scoring drive that culminated in a Blough to Marvin Jones Jr. and a 14-7 lead.

After jumping out to a 17-7 lead in the first half, Chicago’s offense battled back to cut the lead to 17-10 at halftime after a 30-yard Eddy Pineiro field goal.

Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky continued his hot streak against the Lions with perhaps his best performance of the season. He completed 29-of-38 passes for 338 yards with three touchdowns and one interceptions good enough for a 118.1 passer rating. Trubisky had just two incompletions in the

With the Bears thin at tight end, Jesper Horsted came up big for the Bears with an 18-yard touchdown reception that tied the game at 17-17 in the third quarter.

Chicago took its second lead of the game in the fourth quarter with a nine-play 90-yard drive that culminated in a Trubisky to David Montgomery three-yard touchdown pass.

With the Bears leading 24-20 with less than two minutes remaining, the Lions were threatening to score the go-ahead touchdown. The defense came up big, including a Roquan Smith sack for a 13-yard loss on third-and-nine.

But it was safety Eddie Jackson who intercepted Blough on a Hail Mary on fourth-and-22 with :29 left in the game that sealed the victory.

The Bears have a week before their next Thursday matchup, a primetime game against the Dallas Cowboys.

Twitter exploded after Mitch Trubisky mysteriously bailed on a play

What is this guy doing?

There probably isn’t a more embattled QB in the NFL than Chicago’s Mitch Trubisky. He’s our new Blake Bortles, but he plays in a market where people actually care. So that’s been rough on him.

The No. 2 pick in the 2017 NFL draft has struggled this season, while quarterbacks taken later in that draft — notably Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson and Houston’s Deshaun Watson — have thrived.

That’s not completely fair to Trubisky. Watson and Jackson were no doubt underestimated due to lingering — and completely racist — doubts from some scouts about black QBs, but drafting QBs is difficult and always has been.

Still, Trubisky has not helped himself in recent weeks with lackadaisical looking plays, like this one late in the second quarter of the Thanksgiving game against the Detroit Lions.

That’s 3rd and 4 in the red zone with half a minute left in a close game. A first down there would have been significant, given how poorly the Bears had played in general to that point. Instead, head coach Matt Nagy, his soul decimated, opted to kick.

Troy Aikman, a QB who took too many shots to the head when he played, had a charitable interpretation of what had happened.

Others, and Bears fans in particular, were no quite so … restrained.

It only got worse for Trubisky when the planned half-time show malfunctioned, causing televisions to go blank. Jokes flowed.

It doesn’t look great that Trubisky’s bizarre run came on the heels of this, perhaps the worst attempt at running an option I’ve ever seen from a QB.

Let’s not go to the easy “Mitch Trubisky isn’t tough enough” complaint here; just look at this hit he took earlier in the game.

But as Trubisky gets outplayed completely by some former Purdue QB who went un-drafted earlier this year, it’s abundantly clear that he’s not in the right headspace right now to make use of his physical talents.

[lawrence-related id=871249,868527,855012]

WATCH: Bears offense scores on opening possession vs. Lions

The Bears offense did the impossible and scored on their opening possession for just the second time this season.

One thing that the Chicago Bears offense has struggled to do this season was get off to a quick start. They managed to do just that against the Detroit Lions.

The Bears drove 50 yards in six plays to jump out to a quick 7-0 lead over the Lions. Mitchell Trubisky was 4-for-4 for 31 yards on the drive, which culminated in a 10-yard touchdown pass to receiver Allen Robinson.

Return man Cordarelle Patterson cranked off a 57-yard return to open the game, which set the Bears up at the 50-yard line.

Chicago scored on their opening possession for just the second time this season.

The Bears and Lions are tied 7-7 early in the first quarter.

4 bold predictions for Bears’ Week 13 matchup vs. Lions

Will Mitchell Trubisky replicate his performance? Will Eddie Jackson get his first INT this season? Our Bears bold predictions vs. Lions.

The Chicago Bears (5-6) are looking to extend their winning streak to two when they face off against the struggling Detroit Lions (3-7-1) on Thanksgiving.

The Bears are looking to complete the season sweep against the Lions, as they defeated Detroit 20-13 in their first meeting three weeks ago. But Chicago will have to do it shorthanded, as they have six players already ruled out for Thursday’s game.

Here are four bold predictions for the Bears’ Week 13 matchup:

1. Mitchell Trubisky replicates 3-TD performance vs. Lions

Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Mitchell Trubisky has historically played well against the Detroit Lions in his career. He has an eight to three touchdown to interception ratio with a 68% completion, a 102.0 passer rating and an average of 7.9 yards per attempt, all numbers that rank better than his career numbers.

Factor in the fact the Lions defense is playing at its worst, most recently losing to the Dwayne Haskins-led Redskins. Then there’s that fact that one of Trubisky’s best games this season came just three weeks ago against the Lions, where he tossed three touchdowns.

Considering the Lions defense hasn’t improved much since their last meeting — and the Bears offense is looking to build off their third quarter success — Trubisky could be in for his best game this season, complete with a repeat three-touchdown performance.

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4