It Sounds Like the Bears Might Scale Their Offense Back Some for Mitch Trubisky

There has been a certain amount of hype surrounding the potential of the Chicago Bears’ offense. With the No. 2 overall pick from the 2017 NFL Draft under center and a head coach who promised an offense that would bring Chicago into the new millennium, it was easy to dream about better days being on the horizon.

But through three games, Mitch Trubisky hasn’t performed as one would expect the first quarterback of his draft class to do. And Matt Nagy’s offense has produced just four offensive touchdowns in three games. Perhaps with that in mind, the Bears seem prepared to enter Week 4 against the Buccaneers with a scaled-back offense.

For Nagy, it starts with getting the little things right.

“So, there’s some common sense to it of knowing that it’s going to take a little time, but then there’s some, ‘Hey, let’s start doing the little things the right way, the details,'” Nagy said, via JJ Stankevitz of NBC Sports Chicago. “And let’s make sure that we as coaches are pitting these players in the best position possible.”

And when speaking with the media at Halas Hall earlier in the week, Offensive Coordinator Mark Helfrich offered up his thoughts on simplification:

Nagy and Trubisky have both often talked about the concept of playing fast, which is something Trubisky hasn’t done often enough this season. It’s possible that simplifying things allows Trubisky to play faster and pulling back on a voluminous playbook could allow for the Bears quarterback to dial in on the plays he has mastered. There are plenty of examples of how a pared-down playbook has helped a young quarterback’s growth. And as John Fox was always quick to remind us in recent years, there’s more than just one way to skin a cat.

There are times when Trubisky appears overwhelmed in the offense. Maybe it’s the weight of great expectations now that the Bears have a Khalil Mack-led championship caliber defense. Perhaps it’s that the other two first-round quarterbacks from the class of 2017 have out-played Trubisky to this point. But in either case, the Bears have to understand the pressure their quarterback is under and that in order to succeed, they’ll need to release it before it backfires and works against them.

written by

Luis C. Medina, who you can find on Twitter at lcm1986, has been covering the Chicago Bears at Bleacher Nation since 2017. Since then, he has written about 3 head coaches, 5 play-callers, and 11 starting quarterbacks. Previously, Luis wrote about the Cubs and MLB at BN (2015-16) and worked in the Chicago Tribune sports department (2011-16). He also co-hosted a Cubs postgame show, Outside the Ivy, in 2019.

more bears news

Eagles to Trade Pro Bowl Pass-Rusher Haason Reddick to the Jets

Another day. Another high-profile pass-rusher switching teams. And yet another one who isn't coming to the Chicago Bears. ESPN's Adam Schefter has the scoop on the Haason Reddick deal that is sending the two-time Pro Bowl edge defender from the...

The 2024 Chicago Bears Offseason Workout Schedule is OUT

The Chicago Bears calendar continues to fill up as the NFL announced the offseason workout schedule for the 2024 offseason. Because I know you care about the Bears as much as I do, here are their important dates: APRIL 15:...

Around the NFL: J.J. McCarthy’s Stock is Rising, Jaguars Extend Foye Eoluokon, More

There's little doubt at this point that Caleb Williams will go No. 1 to the Bears, but the next tier of quarterbacks is seeing some helium around their stock as we hit the final leg of the lead-up to next...

WATCH: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Bears Draft Room When They Drafted Devin Hester

Devin Hester's enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame is on August 3. That is 127 days from today if you're keeping count at home. But Hester's first steps toward immortality in Canton began 6,543 days ago when the...

Caleb Claps Back, Khan on Fields, No More Pace Mistakes, and Other Bears Bullets

I probably should've put "make time to eat at least one (1) meal today" on my to-do list. Caleb Williams isn't even the Chicago Bears quarterback yet and I'm already a fan. How can you not be a fan of...

Rome Odunze Has a Visit With the Bears Coming Soon

If you aren't already familiar with Rome Odunze's name or game, your time will come. The University of Washington wide receiver is one of the top prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. At this point of the year, I've officially...

Matt Eberflus Opens a Window to the Chicago Bears Draft Plans

NFL coaches are notoriously tight-lipped. And in his first two seasons as Bears head coach, Matt Eberflus has been no different. But every once in a while you'll catch Eberflus peel back the curtain and provide some insight regarding the...

What Does a Chicago Bears NFL Draft Trade Down Look Like?

You'd think we'd be well-versed in trade-back options after months of wondering what kind of haul it would take for the Bears to move off taking quarterback Caleb Williams with the first pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. But trading...

D-Line Thoughts, Caleb, GM Seth Rollins, Pack Votes No, and Other Bears Bullets

Cubs and White Sox opening day is today today. March Madness resumes with the Fighting Illini playing in the Sweet 16 later tonight. SIU, my alma mater, is reportedly hiring a "Coach Nagy" to lead its basketball team. And what...

Dan Campbell is Happy To See Justin Fields Leave the NFC North

There was no escaping the mixed emotions from Chicago Bears fans when the Justin Fields trade went down earlier this month. But there were none of that from Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell. Heck, I'd argue there was just...

Latest News

How to Watch Guardians vs. Athletics: Live Stream or on TV

On Saturday, the Oakland Athletics (0-1) play Jose Ramirez and the Cleveland Guardians (1-0), with first pitch scheduled for 4:07 PM ET at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.Keep reading to see how to watch the Cleveland-Oakland matchup below.When is Guardians vs. Athletics...

Mariners vs. Red Sox: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

The Boston Red Sox (1-0), led by Rafael Devers, visit the Seattle Mariners (0-1) at 9:40 PM ET on Saturday.Keep scrolling to find out all the details on how to watch Seattle take on Boston live.When is Mariners vs. Red...

How to Watch Astros vs. Yankees: Live Stream or on TV

On Saturday, the Houston Astros (0-1) play Juan Soto and the New York Yankees (1-0), with first pitch scheduled for 7:15 PM ET at Minute Maid Park.The article below will give you everything you need to watch Houston take on...

How to Watch Padres vs. Giants: Live Stream or on TV

The San Diego Padres (2-1), led by Xander Bogaerts, host Jorge Soler and the San Francisco Giants (0-1) on Saturday, with first pitch at 7:15 PM ET.Keep scrolling to find out all the details on how to watch San Diego...

How to Watch Diamondbacks vs. Rockies: Live Stream or on TV

The Colorado Rockies (0-1), led by Nolan Jones, visit the Arizona Diamondbacks (1-0) at 8:10 PM ET on Saturday.If you're planning on watching this game, keep reading for TV and streaming options for the Arizona-Colorado matchup.When is Diamondbacks vs. Rockies...

Villanova vs Penn State Women’s College Basketball Odds and Prediction – April 1

The Villanova Wildcats (21-12) will attempt to continue a three-game win streak when they host the Penn State Lady Lions (22-12) on April 1, 2024. The Lady Lions have also won three games in a row.Villanova vs. Penn State NCAA...

Washington State vs Illinois Women’s College Basketball Odds and Prediction – April 1

The Washington State Cougars (21-14) take a three-game win streak into a home matchup with the Illinois Fighting Illini (17-15), winners of three straight as well.Washington State vs. Illinois NCAA Game InfoDate: Monday, April 1, 2024Time: 5:00 PM ETWhere: Indianapolis,...

Maple Leafs vs. Sabres Prediction: Live Odds, Stats, History and Picks – Saturday, March 30, 2024

The Toronto Maple Leafs play at the Buffalo Sabres on March 30 at 7:00 PM ET, and are -162 favorites, with the home team at +136.Maple Leafs vs. Sabres Favorite, Moneyline, TotalFavorite: Maple Leafs (-162)Underdog: Sabres (+136)Total: 6.5Best Maple Leafs...

Michael Porter Jr. Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Timberwolves – Friday, March 29, 2024

Michael Porter Jr.'s Denver Nuggets meet the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday at 9:00 PM ET, and to beat his 3-point prop, he must make three from beyond the arc.Michael Porter Jr.'s Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the TimberwolvesMichael Porter Jr.'s over/under...

Mike Conley Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Nuggets – Friday, March 29, 2024

Will Mike Conley drain two 3-pointers when the Minnesota Timberwolves play the Denver Nuggets on Friday at 9:00 PM ET? If so, he'll beat his over/under for the game.Mike Conley's Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the NuggetsMike Conley's over/under for three-pointers...

more bears news