Normally the preseason wouldn’t matter much in terms of watchability. The games don’t matter. All fans care about is getting to see the Chicago Bears back on the field in live-action. However, this 2020 version should be considerably different. That in large part because of the impending quarterback competition between Mitch Trubisky and Nick Foles.
Head coach Matt Nagy made it clear that the preseason will be used in its entirety to help gauge which player will start for the Bears. That means both will get meaningful reps in every game with Tyler Bray likely not seeing much action. Fans aren’t sure who the winner will end up being. People have their theories. However, there might be one way to determine the outcome.
That being the schedule itself.
- Aug. 15 vs. Browns at noon
- Aug. 22 at Broncos at 8:05 p.m.
- Aug. 29 vs. 49ers at noon
- Sept. 3 at Titans at 7 p.m.
Care to know what those four teams have in common. They all feature talented and well-coached defenses.
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Mitch Trubisky really struggles against top defenses
Cleveland has a new defensive coordinator in Joe Woods who had success in Denver in 2017. Then it’s off to face his replacement in Vic Fangio in Denver itself whom the Bears know is one of the best defensive minds in the business. After that, they play host to the reigning NFC champion 49ers and their #2 defense from last season. Last but not least, it’s the finale against the always tough Titans run by Mike Vrabel.
If history proves anything, it’s that Trubisky has historically struggled against top defenses. Last season alone he played a team with a defense that finished in the top 10 in scoring or yards allowed six times. He threw for 1,370 yards, two touchdowns, and five interceptions in those games. Not the most inspiring numbers. By contrast since 2017, Foles has faced such defenses seven times. He’s thrown for 1,822 yards, 13 touchdowns, and five interceptions.
Even if this is the preseason, Trubisky should be concerned. Those defenses aren’t going to take it easy on him. He’ll have to show he can read what they’re doing and execute to take advantage. Something he has done a lot of.