Believe me, I want to slow play Mitch Trubisky’s development. I want to pump the brakes, take a step back, and give a big picture look at the situation. We’ve been burned before by hot-shot quarterback prospects who have left us wanting more as we watched rivals thrive with young signal callers.
HOWEVER, I also want to be excited about the prospect of being on the ground floor of the golden era of Chicago Bears QB play. I want to dream on a quarterback who can make plays in and out of the pocket, lead competent two-minute drills, and an move an offense that scores points at a rate that doesn’t rank among the bottom half of the league. Now is the time to dream big dreams, my friends, so let’s indulge just a bit.
Yes, I realize we’re talking about one preseason game. And no, one solid preseason debut doesn’t make a player’s career. But let the record show Mitch Trubisky received the first of many honors with his placement on Pro Football Focus’ Team of the Week for the first week of preseason. By PFF’s standards, what you saw with your eyes meshed with what the site’s behind-the-scenes number crunchers saw. Trubisky’s 85.1 grade wasn’t the best from a Bears player in the preseason opener, that distinction went to a very versatile offensive lineman. Still, Trubisky flashed dominance throughout his debut performance.
Over at NFL.com, Bucky Brooks handed out his own grades after taking in all of the preseason Week 1 action. And what’s a preseason opening week grade without a look at Trubisky, who Brooks gave an ‘A’ for his efforts:
“The rookie quarterback might force coach John Fox to reconsider his stance on the team’s QB situation. Trubisky immediately sparked the offense when he entered the game, completing 18 of 25 passes for 166 yards and a score against Denver. He displayed the full arsenal of a QB1, exhibiting outstanding touch, timing and anticipation on quick-rhythm throws. In addition, Trubisky flashed impressive athleticism and mobile playmaking ability on a handful of bootlegs to his right and left. Considering how well the rookie performed in his debut against the Broncos’ backups, he could make a move up the depth chart sooner than expected.”
Clearly, there was more good than bad from the Bears despite the game’s final score. Let’s keep the encouraging signs flowing as we allow ourselves to not overlook how well the Bears’ offensive line played. According to PFF, that unit kept a clean pocket for Trubisky on 71 percent of his drop backs. Trubisky did a little bit of everything in his debut, but there’s no way he does it without his offensive line holding blocks and creating time to throw. All in all, we’re looking forward to seeing if he can do it again on Saturday against the Arizona Cardinals.