NEWSLETTER
Mitch Trubisky’s rookie year statistics aren’t going to stand out (at least not in a good way), and are actually a point of contention for most fans/analysts/insiders. Indeed, for those who are not yet convinced by the second-year quarterback’s numbers, there’s doubt that he will (or even can) improve while operating with a new offensive scheme under the tutelage of a new head coach and offensive coordinator.
But it appears one opposing NFL defensive coordinator came away liking Trubisky, which is really something considering how much was working against him last season.
“I like Trubisky,” said an unnamed defensive coordinator outside of Chicago who was polled for by ESPN piece by Mike Sando that ranks each of the league’s quarterback situations. “I think that kid has a shot to be decent. He is athletic, he’s got a big arm, he has pretty good accuracy. When we played him, they had zero receivers. He was playing with a junior-high cast.”
Evaluating Trubisky based on what was happening last year and applying that to a new staff/offensive philosophy feels like a fool’s errand, so it stands out when a league DC tries to apply that context to a developing situation. Still, that’s not enough to keep Trubisky out of the bottom tier of rankings. Trubisky ranks 29th overall and in Tier 4 of Sando’s rankings, which I suppose is fair after you find yourselves thumbing through the available tape and data from his rookie season.
This rating isn’t to be taken lightly. Sando is in his fifth year of piecing together an annual four-tier ranking that polls league experts and executives. This year’s group of 50 sets of eyes includes 10 general managers, five head coaches, 10 offensive coordinators, 10 senior personnel execs, five quarterback coaches, and 10 various others with high ranking in the league. Clearly, he leaves no stone un-turned when diving into the most important position in sports.
It’s understandable if you’re feeling uneasy about where Trubisky ranks right now. But Sando cautions that Trubisky fits a “not-enough-information category” after a season playing under John Fox without much offensive firepower around him. It’s not inconceivable to believe Trubisky could find himself higher in the pecking order at this time next year if the Bears’ offseason investments pay dividends immediately.
