Mitch Trubisky could’ve easily packed it in after what happened in Atlanta. Matt Nagy benched him for Nick Foles. That was it. His career with the Chicago Bears was over. All hopes of achieving his dream of carrying this team to greatness were over. Except it’s never that simple in the NFL. Even right after the benching coaches were in his ear, telling him to stay focused, keep working hard, and stay ready. Another chance might come.
To his credit, Trubisky took that advice to heart. He embraced his new role as the backup. He did everything asked of him in practice, all the while putting in extra time in case his number was called again. When the bye week came around, it was apparent the 26-year old was getting his second chance. The Bears had fallen from 5-1 to 5-7. The offense was completely dead. Foles was injured. They needed a spark.
So Trubisky went back in.
All things considered, he did a really good job. Over the final six games, Trubisky led the Bears to a 3-3 record to finish 8-8. This proved enough to sneak into the playoffs as the 7th seed. He completed 70% of his passes for 1,495 yards, 10 touchdowns, and five interceptions in those games. Good for a 96.0 passer rating. What could’ve led to this unlikely turnaround?
People have their theories. Nagy and the coaching staff implemented a scheme that was more friendly to Trubisky’s skillset. One built on running the football with lots of play action and bootlegs. There was also a softer schedule featuring some weak defenses. Still, the quarterback had to make some plays and he did. He just seemed more confident than before. Where did this come from?
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Trubisky told Bears play-by-play announcer Jeff Joniak during a recent interview.
Mitch Trubisky will need a Jordan-like focus on Sunday
He’s playing easily the biggest game of his career. Yes, the wild card game in 2018 was important, but this one down in New Orleans carries added significance. Not only is it a playoff game, but it’s also one that could decide his future. Trubisky will be a free agent this offseason. There is still no certainty on whether he could return to Chicago next season. Beating the heavily-favored Saints in their own building may end up being his signature moment.
Michael Jordan needed a big performance on the road in Boston to let people know he was for real. Though the Bulls lost that game, it was the first evidence that he was going to be something special. Mitch Trubisky isn’t the G.O.A.T but he understands the value of bringing your best in the toughest situations. He could change a lot of minds if he takes it to one of the best defenses in the NFL in their own building, going to battle with the great Drew Brees.
The Bears certainly need him too.
Expectations are the Saints will be at full strength on offense. Michael Thomas is back at receiver and Alvin Kamara should be cleared from the COVID protocol as well. The Bears defense hasn’t looked like itself for months now. Points will be needed to win this game. That falls on the shoulders of the quarterback. Is Trubisky up to the challenge? All of Chicago is about to find out.
