Mitch Trubisky stated during his latest press conference that he doesn’t pay attention to comparisons with other quarterbacks. He’s focused on just helping the Chicago Bears win. Meanwhile, he has guys like new teammate Trey Burton calling him the next Carson Wentz or the media proclaiming him another Jared Goff. There are certain reasons behind each comparison but none have delved deep into who he is as an actual player.
Reports from NFL sources a while back stated that Trubisky reminded them most of Rich Gannon. That one made the most sense of all the names mentioned. In terms of size, arm strength, and athleticism the former MVP and four-time Pro Bowler exhibited a similar game that the Bears quarterback possessed. Not bad.
Well, now another prominent expert has thrown his hat in the ring. Andy Benoit of the MMQB is noted for his heavy tape study. He’s examined Trubisky extensively from all his starts last season. After careful examination, he sees a different QB the second-year man emulates. One that may irritate or excite Bears fans depending on perspective.
Mitch Trubisky could be an upgraded Kirk Cousins
What happens when the name Kirk Cousins is brought up to NFL fans? A fierce fight breaks out, that’s what. No, not literally but more on social media and comments sections. There are two camps. One who believes Cousins is a legit starter in the league among the best and others who feel he’s overrated and a system guy. So it must’ve created a small firestorm when Benoit compared Trubisky to him.
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“For what he can be: Trubisky has a strong enough arm, but he’s not Brett Favre. He’s a good athlete, but he’s not Michael Vick. His greatest attribute is his ability to throw on the move, both by design (rollouts, bootlegs) and improvisation. Like many mobile righthanded QBs, he’s particularly proficient outside the pocket to his right.
But in the NFL, on-the-move passing can only be an offense’s side dish, not the entrée. And so Trubisky’s success, like every pro QB’s, will come down to how well he plays within the pocket. Given his good-not-great arm strength, this means how well he can develop as a timing and rhythm passer. Think of Trubisky as a potentially better version of Kirk Cousins.”
Cousins has thrown for 4,000 yards each of the past three years. He carried the Washington Redskins to two winning seasons and a playoff berth in that span. He also soundly beat the Bears both times they met. At the same time, he’s constantly come up short in big games. He managed just 18 points in his playoff debut against Green Bay and held a mere 8-14 record against the NFC East upon leaving in free agency this year.
So both the praise and criticisms are fair.
The question is hand is what exactly is a “better” Cousins? If this means Trubisky will throw for 4,000 yards every year AND perform at a higher level against the division, then that should be what Bears fans want. Nobody ever said he had to be Tom Brady or Aaron Rodgers. What was desired is a capable quarterback who can deliver some victories himself when the team isn’t quite up to the task. That’s what franchise quarterbacks do.
Cousins isn’t perfect but the Minnesota Vikings shelled out $24 million a year to get him. He’s good and they feel he can direct them to a championship. That’s what Bears fans should focus on with this comparison.
