The relationship between head coach Matt Nagy and quarterback Mitch Trubisky is vital to the success of the Chicago Bears. As it would be with any team. When it worked in 2018, they made the playoffs. When it began to falter in 2019, they went 8-8. It appears whatever style Nagy had used with his young QB up to that point no longer worked. Now there is rampant speculation that Trubisky just might not have the mental acuity to handle the coach’s complex offense.
While it hasn’t necessarily led to friction between the two, there have been occasional moments of frustration. Nagy telling his QB to “step the f**k up” on national TV and then benching him during the loss to the Rams. Trubisky wishing his coach would incorporate more play action and bootlegs in the system. The two remain on good terms, but will that last?
Louis Riddick, former personnel director for the Philadelphia Eagles and analyst for ESPN, believes that’s about to be tested. He told Waddle & Silvy that the relationship is about to change.
“Look, Mitch was drafted 2nd overall, man. You have to take off the kid gloves with him now. It’s time. I promise you…I promise you that’s what you’re going to see happen in Chicago. The kid gloves are going to come off with him. I think you will see a rejuvenated…very, very animated…demanding head coach and offensive staff that is going to let him know, ‘It’s time, bro. It’s time to play.'”
Matt Nagy can’t afford to stay patient any longer
Nagy stated last year that he’s “not an idiot.” It’s true. He isn’t. The man knew exactly what he was getting into when he became head coach of the Bears. Unless you’re winning in this league, then the clock is ticking on when you’ll get replaced. That is always how it is. The best way to win in the NFL is having competent quarterback play. Nagy knows they didn’t get it last year. So he’s going to be dead set on making sure that doesn’t happen again.
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That means the honeymoon period with Trubisky is long over. The quarterback should expect no preferential treatment moving forward. If he thinks he’s still the guy for Chicago, he’ll have to prove it. Nagy will make him earn every single thing he gets. The pressure will be turned up. That means harder practices and grueling film sessions. Not to mention the likelihood of competition coming in.
Time to put up or shut up.
