2019 Rivers vs. 2018 Trubisky, CB Depth Needs, Long Enjoys Retirement, and Other Bears Bullets

Feb 11, 2020

Not that I needed confirmation that my kitchen skills are #elite, but my grandma devoured the cheesecake I made for her birthday. I’ll gladly accept the lack of leftovers knowing that she enjoyed the heck out of her snack.

Adam Hoge of WGN Radio presents an interesting angle here:

Philip Rivers in 2019: 66.0%, 7.8 yards/completion, 23 TD/20 INT, 88.5 rating

Mitch Trubisky in 2018: 66.6%, 7.4 yards/completion, 24 TD/12 INT, 95.4 rating

Do you believe Trubisky can get back to his 2018 form? If so, there’s not much logic in signing 38-year-old Rivers.

— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) February 10, 2020

Philip Rivers’ 2019 season looks like the beginning of an end-of-career decline. The raw numbers took a tumble from 2018 to 2019, and some of the deeper dive stuff via Pro Football Reference’s data is concerning. For example … Rivers threw more interceptions (16) than touchdowns (13) when facing a “normal rush.” When given more than 2.5 seconds in the pocket, he threw more interceptions (14) than touchdowns (9). When facing divisional foes, his teams went winless as he threw more interceptions (12) than touchdowns (7). And his numbers against the NFC North last year (67.4% completion rate, 2 TD, 5 INT, 82.1 rating) weren’t all that inspiring.

Essentially, a bet on Rivers is one where a team is rolling the dice on the 2019 season being a blip on the radar. A bet on Trubisky could be viewed as one that is a wager on 2018 being a reachable baseline. It’s a pretty fascinating discussion.

Chris Emma (670 The Score) has a preview of how the QB market is shaping up for Bears-related options. And at least there are some viable alternatives available to help keep this window of contention open with a signal caller who can serve as a backup, while also having the ability to carry a team through rough waters should its starter be unable. Options are good. Let’s embrace options.

Here’s reminder of the quarterbacks who are on the cusp of free agency this offseason:

A refresher on quarterbacks scheduled to be free agents in March:
* Tom Brady
* Drew Brees
* Dak Prescott
* Ryan Tannehill
* Philip Rivers
* Jameis Winston
* Teddy Bridgewater
* Marcus Mariota
* Case Keenum
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) February 10, 2020

Tom Brady, Drew Brees, and Philip Rivers are the old guard. Perhaps there is one more year of elite football for a signal caller at an advanced age. And if you’re a believer in that type of magic, I’m willing to hear your arguments. Dak Prescott is a proven passer in the prime of his career. Based on his age and numbers he has put up in the Dallas pressure cooker, he probably should be the most sought-after free agent of the bunch. But shouldn’t he have been signed to an extension by now? Teddy Bridgewater, Jameis Winston, Ryan Tannehill and Marcus Mariota are former first-round picks who have had some semblance of success at points throughout their careers, but not enough to secure long-term deals with their original teams. And then there’s Case Keenum, the typical journeyman quarterback who often finds himself on this list, landing an ideal spot as a backup somewhere, then playing meaningful games because Option A is injured or ineffective.

And to think, Field Yates’ list doesn’t include the likes of Andy Dalton, Cam Newton, or Nick Foles — three potential cap casualties who could be on borrowed time with their current respective franchises.

There is plenty of time to dive through all of these options between now and the start of the offseason But just know that the Bears are well-positioned to rebuild their quarterbacks room with a veteran who can bring competition to Halas Hall, mentor Trubisky, and start in a pinch should QB1’s play be ineffective or sidelined due to injury.

We — as a collective — should probably keep in mind that Trubisky has missed time due to injuries in each of the last two seasons. And that, had it not been for the timing of the injuries that included extended stretches of time off, Trubisky would have missed more than three games over the last two seasons.

It’s never too early to remind folks that Bears defenders will have to deal with PFF’s four highest-graded receivers in 2020:

Highest receiving grade among WRs in 2019

1. Michael Thomas
2. Chris Godwin
3. Julio Jones
4. Davante Adams pic.twitter.com/K3VLkFhndb

— PFF (@PFF) February 10, 2020

The Bears have three talented corners under contract for 2020 with two-time Pro Bowler Kyle Fuller, the steady veteran leadership of Prince Amukamara, and the surprisingly impactful Buster Skrine in the slot. But just as there is no such thing as having too much pitching in baseball, I am of the belief there is no such thing as too much secondary depth. All things considered, Chicago should look into drafting a starting-caliber corner in the upcoming draft. Maybe two. And possibly a safety partner for Eddie Jackson.

It’s good to know Bears history:

From Walter Payton to @TarikCohen to others behind the scenes, the impact of HBCU alums in our organization goes beyond players, past or present.

READ. ⤵️

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) February 10, 2020

Now, THIS is how you enjoy retirement:

https://twitter.com/Ky1eLong/status/1226910587558539265?s=20

Pretty sure doing this while under an NFL contract would have been frowned upon. So, good on Kyle Long for living his full life.

This is art:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8UDcu6l7K-/

I was today years old when I learned that one of Illinois’ Supreme Court Justices was once a Bears kicker:

Illinois Supreme Court Justice Robert Thomas, a former kicker for the Chicago Bears, will retire from the court later this month, he announced today https://t.co/bhPRET0RWx
— Chicago Tribune (@chicagotribune) February 10, 2020

One of the outstanding reporters in the city is leaving the beat:

Best of luck to @Rich_Campbell, who just announced @mullyhaugh he's leaving the Bears beat at the Chicago Tribune and @670TheScore to take a job outside the sports media industry. Consummate pro, terrific teammate, talented and versatile journalist. Congrats on a good run.
— David Haugh (@DavidHaugh) February 11, 2020

Having worked in the same newsroom as Rich Campbell once upon a time, I can confirm that he was a real good one and will be missed on the beat.

Good Amazon Deals of the Day today, including Instant Pot, cast iron cookware, and karaoke machines! #ad

written by

Luis C. Medina

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.

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