NEWSLETTER
Mitch Trubisky says he’s ready to roll, and his offensive coordinator agrees.
During Dowell Loggains’ first meeting with the assembled press since Trubisky’s promotion to QB1, the Chicago Bears offensive coordinator gushed at the prospect of coaching up the team’s rookie quarterback. When asked a question regarding the rookie’s level of readiness, Loggains said of Trubisky: “He’s as close to ready as any rookie I’ve ever been around.”
That’s some brow-raising praise, but here is a list of rookie quarterbacks Loggains has coached or been around as we attempt to keep things in perspective: Johnny Manziel (2014 Browns), Jake Locker (2011 Titans), Rusty Smith (2010 Titans), Vince Young (2006).
Of course, Young is an interesting case to re-visit and allows for a different lens to view Trubisky’s situation.
The Titans chose Young with the third overall selection in the draft, but seated him behind Kerry Collins to start the season. Collins led Tennessee to a winless 0-3 start, posting a 42.3 rating, while completing 46.7 percent of his passes, and throwing more interceptions (6) than touchdowns (1). Young made his first start on Oct. 1 and never looked back. He led the Titans to an 8-5 record – and an 8-8 finish – despite throwing more interceptions (12) than touchdowns (11) as a starter, while also completing just 52.3 percent of his pass attempts and posting a 67.5 rating in those games.
Young, who also scored seven rushing touchdowns, was guided by a running game led by Travis Henry (1,211 yards, 7 touchdowns) and was throwing to receivers named Drew Bennett and Bobby Wade. He was named to the Pro Bowl as a rookie, then led the Titans to the playoffs in each of the next two seasons.
I won’t venture to say lightning will strike twice with Trubisky leading the way, but at least Loggains knows how a talented rookie quarterback can change a team’s dynamic. Even if said quarterback’s receivers aren’t household names and leave much to be desired.
Then again, Loggains also knows when it’s time to pump the breaks, too:
Loggains: "Mitch Trubisky is a very good player, but he is not a magic wand. We’ve got to play good around him."
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) October 5, 2017
Trubisky represents the fifth different starting quarterback Loggains will coach in his 20 games as the team’s offensive coordinator – and could be his most talented.
