NEWSLETTER
Mitch Trubisky has taken significant steps forward in his development as a rookie, so much so, in fact, it’s making the Chicago Bears head coaching job look more attractive by the day. But, according to him, what we’ve seen is just the start.
“I expect to make a big jump from Year 1 to Year 2,” Trubisky told reporters (via Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic) at his weekly press conference. “The experience I’ve got this year, I’m definitely going to carry that with me into the offseason, going into next year and expect to have a lot of momentum and just a full head of steam going into next year.”
So before the Bears bring in a new coach/coordinator and other shiny new things to play with on offense (Michael: hopefully about 100 WRs pleaseandthankyou), Trubisky is taking matters into his own hands to improve before the season. Now, that’s what I’m talking about. Just the idea of further, tangible growth from Trubisky brings hope to an organization (and fan base) that hasn’t had much of it in recent years.
Indeed, consider how much growth he’s already made. Think back to where Trubisky was when the Bears drafted him after just 13 starts at North Carolina. Put yourself in that frame of mind when Trubisky was having trouble handling snaps under center during training camp. Remember your feelings when Trubisky was handed a limited playbook that capped his throwing opportunities at the beginning (and middle (and even part of the end)) of the season. These were real concerns that he’s mostly outgrown.
Sure, Trubisky isn’t carving up defenses (yet), but he has shown improved decision-making with each week and hasn’t compounded his errors by making the same mistake twice. He isn’t calling his own game at the line of scrimmage, but he’s making the most of what’s in front of him and isn’t turning the ball over either. Trubisky isn’t a world beater, but he has established a baseline for competent quarterback play (with plenty of upside) and has earned his teammates respect while taking ownership of everything the way franchise faces are expected.
Trubisky has already gotten so much better, and yet, he’s ready to make another leap. Who’s coming with him?
