NEWSLETTER
A funny thing happened while I was doing my normal weekly re-watch of the Bears game.
During my usual note-taking experience, some things said by CBS analyst Tony Romo caught my attention. Romo is in his second season as the network’s lead analyst on its No. 1 broadcast and only two years removed from being a quality quarterback at the NFL level. Needless to say, his insight has received equal parts respect and high regard throughout the league and on both sides of the TV (even if he comes off as giggly and over-the-top sometimes).
So while I’ll get to the in-game action that stood out after film review later this week, let’s discuss some of Romo’s most keen observations and provide additional analysis around those remarks.
And hopefully we’ll get to hear more of them if the Bears can play in Super Bowl LIII, which will be carried by CBS.
Some Love for Mitch Trubisky
Romo’s thoughts about quarterback play are always going to be the most intriguing and worthwhile, because of his big league experience and intimate familiarity with the position and league. And with the game in hand late in the fourth quarter on Sunday, Romo dished a little bit of love for the second-year QB.
“I’m impressed by Trubisky in the second half. Some errant throws earlier in the game. It’s windy, tough environment. But I’m telling you, I’m getting more and more impressed as this game has played on. As it’s gotten to the point where these plays really need to be had, he’s really come up with them. I understand they got a good system and good players, but he’s impressed me today.”
If you’ll recall, Trubisky was off in the early going before bouncing back with a more accurate showing in the second half. The ability to correct some early mistakes and execute when the opportunities came about impressed Romo enough to give Trubisky a pretty glowing review.
So is Trubisky making that second-year leap the Bears have been pulling for? Mostly, yes.
“Yeah, he is improving,” Romo said. “The hardest thing is he has a whole new system. When you have a whole new system with Nagy, you’re see improvement, but is it part of the system or has he improved? I think he’s improving and I think you’re seeing the development take place.”
I’m not sure how often Romo gets to watch Trubisky, since most of his games feature AFC teams on CBS, but he seems to have a grasp of this situation.
The one thing I wish Romo would have done is expand on this statement: “Trubisky’s development will come with accuracy. It’s nothing more.” Romo mentioned Trubisky “has all the other stuff” as he brought up mobility, competitive nature, feet, and improved ability to go through progressions as Trubisky’s strengths. But seeing that accuracy is as important as it is, it would’ve been nice to get a little more there.
Mixed Reviews on the Running Game
Tarik Cohen had breakout games as a rookie that put him at the top of opponents scouting reports. But this season has clearly been a step up in terms of usage and effectiveness. And on Sunday, he definitely caught Romo’s eyes.
“It’s amazing how the league has gone to these running backs,” Romo said referring to Cohen “These guys being almost as important as any sort of down-hill runner. It’s like if you have a coach who can use them the correct way, man, there’s so much stuff you can do on offense. It makes it so difficult on the defense where he lines up and where you use him.”
And yet, Romo made note of the overall rushing attack’s struggles.
“That’s the one area they’ve got to improve right now. Just the normal run game. The runs that are simple reads to get downhill, run right at the defense. They haven’t been as good in that scenario where the coaches were concerned and trying to really get some new plays that allow Jordan Howard to get moving down hill.”
That particular quote came during a sluggish first half when the Bears’ lone touchdown came on a 70-yard screen pass. Things shifted in the second half, particularly in the fourth quarter when Howard rushed 10 times for 53 yards. The change was something Romo noticed.
“They’ve kinda changed the running game up today. This tells me they’ve got a few new things in that they decided, ‘Hey, I don’t like the way this is going. We’re going to do some new things a little bit, maybe.’ You’re seeing it right now. Howard’s getting 22 caries for over 80 yards. That’s how you finish games.”
How Good Are the Bears? Playoff Good?
A question I get from friends of mine who are fans of other teams or family members who are trying to get into what I’m doing is “so how good are the Bears … really?” I almost wish I could just share this answer from Romo because I feel it’s so spot on.
“Nagy has put his hands all over this team. This offense is really fun to watch and they’re going to have some really outstanding games this year at different times. The key is going to be for them to make those special plays … the plays that determine the game. Most of these games come down to a touchdown or a third down. It’s going to be about making those plays and stepping up in those key situations. Three times this year, they’ve lost leads in the second half. This football team is winning in the second half in all of their football games. You’re a good football team if you’re doing that. You can’t just fake that every week, week-in and week-out.”
Sums up the first seven games of the year, doesn’t it?
Romo made a name for himself as a first-year broadcaster by predicting plays before they happened. It’s a neat trick, I’ll give him that. And if he is as accurate in predicting the playoffs as he is with plays of a particular down and distance, then Bears fans are going to be happy.
“The last two weeks, they weren’t tackling the same way they did earlier in the year,” Romo said in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s game. “They weren’t quite the same team we saw. They’re too good for some of the things that were happening to continue. I think you’re going to see them continue to play good football, and I think you’re watching a playoff team here.”
And finally, earlier in the game, Romo shared this thought:
“This Bears team is very complete. Up front. On both sides of the ball. I see this team having a chance to make some noise. It’s really going to come down to (Trubisky). If Trubisky can come in here and play well in the fourth quarter of these games, they’re going to be tough to beat because they’re going to be in every single game.”
