The Mitch Trubisky rookie season forges ahead. For the second time in four games he threw an unfortunate interception to end the game late. The throw was too high for his receiver to corral, though in fairness the receiver wasn’t looking when he should’ve been. Regardless it was a mistake by the rookie that plenty of critics were quick to pounce on after the game.
Why isn’t he playing like a superstar? He’s a #2 overall pick. This guy is a bust. Setting aside for the moment that the loss to New Orleans counted as his 17th start including college, there are plenty of reasons to argue against that point. That would take time though and people these days aren’t big on patience (see what I did there?).
Let’s focus on the elephant in the room. Maybe not the only reason but certainly the biggest reason Mitch has been inconsistent to this point.
Mitch Trubisky rookie year marred by lack of weapons
It’s already been harped on several times over the past month but that’s because it’s an inescapable fact. The reason he’s not playing great already is because he doesn’t have the help around him to do it. Every quarterback is only as good as their weapons. For rookies it’s especially so. Don’t believe it? Below are listed the QBs who had the greatest performances by a rookie ever and who they had to throw to.
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In every situation one will find either a former/current Pro Bowler or at least a former/current first round pick. Oftentimes both.
Ben Roethlisberger (2004, Pittsburgh Steelers)
- WR Hines Ward (Pro Bowler)
- WR Plaxico Burress (former 1st RD pick)
Andre Luck (2012, Indianapolis Colts)
- Reggie Wayne (Pro Bowler)
Cam Newton (2011, Carolina Panthers)
- Steve Smith (Pro Bowler)
- Greg Olsen (former 1st RD pick)
Dan Marino (1983, Miami Dolphins)
- Mark Duper (Pro Bowler)
- Nat Moore (Pro Bowler)
Those four players are considered the benchmark of rookie quarterback play. Seems they all had the same reasons for such instant success. They had top quality weapons already in place. If people aren’t willing to accept those, then here are some more recent examples.
Dak Prescott (2016, Dallas Cowboys)
- Dez Bryant (Pro Bowler)
- Jason Witten (Pro Bowler)
Deshaun Watson (2017, Houston Texans)
- DeAndre Hopkins (Pro Bowler)
- Will Fuller (former 1st RD pick)
This is not to say those players aren’t great. Obviously their own talent played a part in those situations, but the evidence shows that having quality pieces around them made life so much easier and development so much faster. People are ignoring this reality just out of desire to declare Trubisky a bust after four games.
That is irresponsible and misguided. Wait until the team makes an effort to put greater talent around him. If at that point he’s still a failure, then the green light will be given to burn it all down.
