The Chicago Bears have remained steadfast in their support of Mitch Trubisky through what has been a difficult 2019 season. With four games to play, he has 2,196 passing yards with 13 touchdowns, seven interceptions and an 84.4 passer rating. All are on track to be significant drops from what he accomplished last season. Not ideal given this was his second year in the Matt Nagy offense. Something that is usually accompanied by improved play. Not regression.
Much of how the Bears move forward on this will depend on how he finishes December. Trubisky just had his best game of the year in Detroit on Thanksgiving with 338 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. However, he faces four playoff contenders in Dallas, Green Bay, Kansas City, and Minnesota down the stretch. If he returns to the form he showed through the first half of the season, it might compel the team to think about a bold move at the position in 2020.
One name most wouldn’t have expected to be an option is Philip Rivers.
The eight-time Pro Bowler enjoyed one of his best seasons in 2018 with over 4,300 yards and 32 touchdowns. This season though has been a struggle. Rivers has just 15 touchdowns to 14 interceptions and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network has it on good authority that the Los Angeles Chargers are on the cusp of benching the future Hall of Famer.
“Over the past two games, Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers has thrown a total of seven interceptions. When it comes to turnovers, it’s the worst pair games in his career, both in losses.
As Los Angeles prepares for a critical game against the Broncos, sources say that if Rivers offers a repeat performance, he could get benched. It is a move the Chargers hope to not think about and hope to not make.
But if Rivers’ play warrants, they will insert backup Tyrod Taylor. It won’t be a quick hook. Still, to make the playoffs, the Chargers may need to win out, and while such a move would be jarring, it would be made, if necessary.”
Philip Rivers could present a bridge opportunity for Bears
Nobody is saying that Rivers would be the savior of the Bears long-term. He turns 38-years old on December 8th. His peak days are behind him. Still, he’s shown he can be an effective quarterback this season when given adequate protection. The Chargers have been ravaged by injuries along the offensive line. The constant pressure that has followed has forced him into mistakes. To say nothing of their 26th ranked rushing attack that isn’t helping him much either.
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Rivers represents what one would call a “bridge” option. He could potentially give the Bears one good year of play in 2020, offering them the time to fortify the roster and compete for the playoffs before making plans to find their future signal-caller in 2021 when they get back into the 1st round. Is it ideal? No. Could it give them an out clause from Trubisky? Yes. Rivers wouldn’t be too expensive given his age.
The big question is whether he’d be willing to play in Chicago. He’s been commuting from San Diego to Los Angeles since the Chargers moved and might not be willing to move his large family. Something to monitor regardless.
