Where Trubisky Needs Most Improvement, Finding Cohen, Sims Illness Update, and Other Bullets

Nov 17, 2017

I’m on board with the idea of the Chicago Bears following in the footsteps of the Los Angeles Rams if Mitch Trubisky can do in his second year what Jared Goff is doing … and if he copycats these audibles:

The Rams’ audibles for Jared Goff are 🔥🔥🔥

I love Sean McVay more by the day. pic.twitter.com/eK2qffOLZS

— Cameron DaSilva (@camdasilva) November 16, 2017

Armed with a quarterback who owns tremendous upside, a mix of receivers with talent and experience, and a young, innovative coach, the Los Angeles Rams are one of the best stories of the 2017 NFL season. The Rams will be a popular blueprint for some teams to follow moving forward, and Hub Arkush suggests the Bears could be one of those teams. Arkush draws the similarities between coaches (Jeff Fisher and John Fox running conservative, run-based offensive schemes), talent (Todd Gurley, Aaron Donald, Alec Ogletree for the Rams and Jordan Howard, Akiem Hicks, Leonard Floyd for the Bears), and a weakness at receiver that shouldn’t be re-visited for either side. If you look at the Rams now, you’ll see how far the Bears have to go to get to their level. It’s not impossible, but much heavy lifting must be done this winter and spring to get in a position to be competitive next summer and fall.

For the Bears to truly make that leap, they’ll need to fix a punchless offense. Bob LeGere of the Daily Herald believes rookie running back Tarik Cohen can provide a quick fix and a necessary jolt of energy for a lifeless unit. You don’t remember Cohen? The 5-foot-6-inch running back who broke out in a big way in the first four weeks of the season, only to see his snaps cut since Mitch Trubisky’s Week 5 debut? He did fun stuff like run out of the Wildcat, catch touchdowns out of the backfield and deep passes in the middle of the field, throw touchdowns, and jump over linemen to score rushing touchdowns. Cohen has been slumping, but going against a group of linebackers who have struggled to cover running backs out in coverage could be the kind of mismatch a competent offensive coordinator should be able to exploit.

It’s up to Offensive Coordinator Dowell Loggains to sort out the mess on offense. He could start by using his offense to dictate the pace and personnel on the field. Let’s circle back to a Loggains quote that raised some eyebrows earlier in the week. “This game is about matchups for us as well as them and that is the first thing we look at when we decide who is going to be in the game,” Loggains said via Larry Mayer of the team’s official website. “Sometimes the defense dictates who is going to be out there.”

If a defense was to dictate what it wants the offensive personnel to be, wouldn’t the ideal counter to this move be substituting a player to create a matchup edge on the offensive side of the ball and put the defensive personnel at a disadvantage? Matchups are the name of the game and generating mismatches should be the goal of every offensive coach. But allowing the defense to dictate the offense feels a bit backward.

Perhaps the Bears’ run-heavy offense is starting to take its toll on Trubisky. Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times offers up the Bears’ failing runs on early downs have put the rookie quarterback in positions where it will be tough to be successful. Jahns may have a point because of how many 3rd-and-long throws Trubisky has been forced to make because of early down failures. Trubisky faced 3rd-and-10 (or longer) nine times against the Packers. That is asking for trouble.

Of course, Trubisky needs to do a better job in several areas. Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune points out one place Trubisky can improve is on the timing of his check-downs. Trubisky missed an open check-down that could’ve netted a big gain and it led directly to him taking a sack deep in Bears territory. Improving here would be a small step for Trubisky, but could open up windows elsewhere if he executed as efficiently as Mike Glennon did in this area.

Glennon’s check-downs were well documented here, but at least he had a full stable of tight ends. The Bears don’t have that right now with Zach Miller on injured reserve and Dion Sims fighting a mystery illness that led to a combative head coach in a recent press conference. Eric Edholm of Pro Football Weekly spoke with Sims’ agent Jason Chayut and received a bit of clarity on the situation. “It’s nothing serious, it’s just a little thing,” Chayut told Edholm. “I think he’ll be back and be fine.” Sims hasn’t stepped on the practice field since the team returned from the bye, which has led to an increase in playing time for Adam Shaheen and Daniel Brown.

Sims was listed on Friday’s injury report as questionable, but three players who were listed as questionable despite not practicing last week were left off the active 46-man game day roster. So I wouldn’t pencil in Sims or Danny Trevathan into the lineup just yet.

At least right guard Kyle Long was off the injury report entirely, which means he’s likely to start against the Lions on Sunday. In turn, Cody Whitehair can move back to center. This would be welcome news, especially when considering how poorly Hroniss Grasu has played at center:

#Bears C Hroniss Grasu's @PFF pass-blocking grade today was a 0.0 on their scale of 0-100, the first 0.0 pass blocking grade given out in the last two years
— Lorin Cox (@CoxSports1) November 12, 2017

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.

more bears news

Chicago Bears

Rome Odunze Missed Saturday’s Bears Rookie Minicamp Practice

I was rounding up this morning's set of Bears Bullets when I saw this note from the Chicago Tribune's Dan Wiederer on rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze sitting out Saturday's practice with hamstring tightness and I knew I had to...

Luis C. Medina

May 12, 2024

Chicago Bears

A New Tight End, Day 2 Camp Pics and Vids, Edge Market Developing, and Other Bears Bullets

It's Mother's Day today. And while my mother passed away in 2017, I try to use this day to remember and honor her memory. Do something nice for the moms in your life today. You only get one. Chicago Bears...

Luis C. Medina

May 12, 2024

Chicago Bears

Caleb to Rome, First Day Notes, Big LSU Bet Is Off, and Other Bears Bullets

I'm off to Springfield to play the role of Uncle Lu this weekend, so we'll have an abridged version of Bears Bullets today. Caleb Williams survived his first practice as Chicago Bears QB1. And all was right with the football...

Luis C. Medina

May 11, 2024

Chicago Bears

Tory Taylor is the First Bears Draft Pick to Sign Their Rookie Deal

There will be no punter hold out this summer. Tory Taylor is officially locked in: https://twitter.com/chicagobears/status/1789283410294321438?s=46&t=9_XcB6r0ywNyv4WuAOFkLA The Chicago Bears announced Tory Taylor’s signing on Saturday morning. And in doing so, made him the first of the team’s five 2024 NFL...

Luis C. Medina

May 11, 2024

Chicago Bears

REPORT: Bo Nix Will Be the First of the 2024 NFL Draft First-Round QBs to Sign

Caleb Williams might've gone first overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, but it looks like Bo Nix will be the the first of the first-round quarterbacks to sign their NFL contract. Nix, who the Denver Broncos selected with the 12th...

Luis C. Medina

May 10, 2024

Chicago Bears

WATCH: Bears Rookie Camp Highlights With Caleb Williams, Rome Odunze, Tory Taylor

It's never too early to share Chicago Bears highlights. And while I realize it is probably a stretch to call these "highlights" but I'm not going to turn down an opportunity to share Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze clips when...

Luis C. Medina

May 10, 2024

Chicago Bears

Around the NFL: Jared Goff Extension High Priority for the Lions, Rookie Camps, WRs on the Move, More

The Lions are making an extension for quarterback Jared Goff a "high priority." The Cardinals, Texans, and Giants added wide receivers this week. More in today's NFL Notes. Lions Making Jared Goff Extension a "High Priority" Two weeks after securing...

Patrick K. Flowers

May 10, 2024

Chicago Bears

I Love This Caleb Williams Quote About Leadership

The first Caleb Williams minicamp press conference is in the books, and without a glitch. Whew! Limiting the drama this season is atop of my Chicago Bears 2024 wishlist. Caleb Williams had some interesting things to say in his first...

Luis C. Medina

May 10, 2024

Chicago Bears

EA Sports College Football 25 Cover Leaked

I've written about this a few times since EA Sports first announced the return of the long-awaited College Football Video game. And while part of me is keeping my hopes tempered until that game is actually downloaded onto my XBOX...

Matt Rooney

May 10, 2024

Chicago Bears

Don’t Freak Out, But Bears Rookie Kiran Amegadjie Will Miss Offseason Practices

I am going to preface this by saying there isn't a reason to freak out over news that Kiran Amegadjie will miss the Chicago Bears upcoming rookie minicamp practices. And there is definitely no reason to be alarmed about a...

Luis C. Medina

May 10, 2024

Picks

NHL Playoffs Anytime Goalscorer Bets and Odds Today – May 13

With two Stanley Cup Playoffs Second Round games on the NHL card Monday, you have plenty of chances to place an anytime goal-scorer wager. Keep scrolling for the odds on players from each matchup.Watch the NHL on Fubo!Today's Top Anytime...

Data Skrive

May 13, 2024

Picks

Oilers vs. Canucks NHL Playoffs Second Round Game 4 Prediction: Odds, Picks, Best Bets – Tuesday, May 14, 2024

The Edmonton Oilers welcome the Vancouver Canucks on May 14 at 9:30 PM ET, and have been made -218 favorites, with the visiting team at +180.Watch the NHL on Fubo!Oilers vs. Canucks Favorite, Moneyline, TotalFavorite: Oilers (-218)Underdog: Canucks (+180)Total: 6.5Best...

Data Skrive

May 13, 2024

Oakland Athletics 2024 Schedule and How to Watch their games

MLB

How to Watch Athletics Games: Full 2024 Schedule, Live Stream and More

It's a bittersweet season for the Oakland Athletics. As they prepare to begin their move to Las Vegas for the 2028 season, the A's are looking to make their final year at the Coliseum one to remember. With a little...

Brian Twining

May 12, 2024

How to Watch

How to Watch Angels vs. Cardinals: Live Stream or on TV

On Monday, in a series opener at Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Jose Soriano starts for the Los Angeles Angels (15-26) against Matthew Liberatore and the St. Louis Cardinals (16-24), with first pitch scheduled for 9:38 PM ET.The article below will...

Data Skrive

May 12, 2024

How to Watch

Mariners vs. Royals: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

The Seattle Mariners (22-19), led by Josh Rojas, host Bobby Witt Jr. and the Kansas City Royals (25-17) at 9:40 PM ET on Monday.See how to watch the Seattle-Kansas City matchup below.When is Mariners vs. Royals and when does it...

Data Skrive

May 12, 2024

How to Watch

Diamondbacks vs. Reds: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

Ketel Marte and the Arizona Diamondbacks (19-22) host Elly De La Cruz and the Cincinnati Reds (17-23) on Monday in a series opener, with first pitch at 9:40 PM ET.If you're trying to watch this game, keep reading for streaming...

Data Skrive

May 12, 2024

How to Watch

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

Jurickson Profar and the San Diego Padres (22-21) host Ryan McMahon and the Colorado Rockies (12-28) on Monday, with first pitch at 9:40 PM ET.If you're planning on watching this game, keep reading for TV and streaming options for the...

Data Skrive

May 12, 2024

How to Watch

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

Gavin Stone will take the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers (27-15) when they visit starting pitcher Jordan Hicks and the San Francisco Giants (19-23) in a series opener on Monday, with first pitch at 9:45 PM ET.Keep reading to...

Data Skrive

May 12, 2024

Picks

Texas Rangers vs. Cleveland Guardians Series May 13-15: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

The Cleveland Guardians are on the road, opening a three-game series against the Texas Rangers on Monday, May 13 at 8:05 PM ET.Rangers vs. Guardians Series Info Guardians @ Rangers Time: Monday, May 13 at 8:05 PM ET Rangers Starting...

Data Skrive

May 12, 2024

Picks

San Francisco Giants vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Series May 13-15: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

The San Francisco Giants will be hosting the Los Angeles Dodgers for a three-game series, with the first matchup getting underway at 9:45 PM ET on Monday, May 13.Giants vs. Dodgers Series Info Dodgers @ Giants Time: Monday, May 13...

Data Skrive

May 12, 2024

Where Trubisky Needs Most Improvement, Finding Cohen, Sims Illness Update, and Other Bullets

Read More

more bears news

Latest News

more bears news

Most Popular

Most Popular

Latest News

Most Popular

Most Popular