Mitch Trubisky learned the basics of life as a starting quarterback in the NFL and sounds ready to take on all challenges in 2018. The second-year quarterback recently appeared on NFL Network’s Inside Minicamp LIVE program, and touched on a variety of topics.
I mean, where else are you going to hear about learning lessons from Harry Hiestand and J.R. Smith?
Let’s dive into some of the highlights.
A Lesson Learned From J.R. Smith’s Bone-Headed Blunder
It’s win or go home for Trubisky’s Cavaliers tonight. But no matter what happens, it’s good to know he could take something out of what was an all-time big-game blunder. In Game 1 of the NBA Finals, Cleveland’s J.R. Smith grabbed a rebound of a missed free throw and proceeded to run the ball out of the lane thinking the Cavs had a one-point lead. But the game was tied, time expired, the game went to overtime, and Cleveland lost. Still, there was something to be learned from the deepest pit of failure.
“We actually watched that the next day as a team and tried to learn from the situation. I was having a hard time watching it twice, but yeah, it just goes to show you everyone gets caught up in the moment, even if it’s the biggest of lights. But you always got to know the situation, so take advantage of it.”
Expanded Thoughts on the Offense He’ll Be Running in 2018
Speaking taking advantage of situations, Trubisky is ready to take advantage of his new offense. A new head coach and coordinator have seemed to bring out a little extra something in Trubisky, who has a bit of pep in his step whenever he talks about the new offense and his role in making it click.
“It’s a really dynamic offense and it just utilizes all the different playmakers. All the different route concepts, schemes, and RPOs is going to make the run and the pass balanced. Hide the run, hide the pass, it’s going the set up the play action. It’s going to stretch down the field, sideways, and we’re really going to utilize every yard on the field and get the ball to our playmakers. My job is to distribute it and get it to those guys and let them make plays like they do.”
Based on his early glowing reviews of the offense, it’s evident Trubisky has really taken to playing for a head coach who used to be a quarterback.
Some Love for the Big Guys
Trubisky won’t be able to get the ball to playmakers without the offensive line. Trubisky praised the unit as a whole, naming everyone on the line who has contributed during the offseason training program. He even gave props to Earl Watford, the free agent signee who Trubisky has said is stepping up at right guard in place of Kyle Long.
Trubisky’s praise wasn’t limited to the line, as he shared some love for Offensive Line Coach Harry Hiestand.
“Coach Hiestand has done a great job with those offensive line guys. I’ve loved learning from him, as well. Talking the o-line language and just getting on the same page with the mike points and the protection and what we’re doing in the run game as well. Being on the same page, watching a lot of film with Cody so we’re able to communicate and play faster. They’ve been practicing so hard, taking care of me, and we have a great relationship. I appreciate those guys more than anyone else out here because they keep me clean and that’s who’s going to keep me clean on Sunday.”
On the Biggest Change in This Offense Compared to Last Year
The Bears had the sixth most three-and-outs last season, which limited the offense’s potential and kept the defense on the field for far too long. There is hope that a new offensive game plan, one that allows for more down-field throws that could (in theory) move the chains from time to time.
“I think that’s going to be something that’s a lot different from last year. One, we have the weapons to stretch the field. Two, we have the system, and the checks, and the alerts for me if I see a certain coverage or matchup that I like that we’re able to stretch the ball down the field. I think you’ll see a lot more of that out of us this year.”
“Twitter is Pointless Now”
One place Trubisky isn’t going deep is on social media, which he says he is off for “probably the rest of the season.” Trubisky hasn’t tweeted anything since retweeting information about his Mentor Elementary Football Camp in late April and hasn’t posted on Instagram since early May. Trubisky’s departure from social media – which he deemed to be a distraction – serves as an example of what he is giving up in order to fully commit to improvement on the field in 2018.
“I just figured it really doesn’t matter. It’s just a distraction I didn’t need. Not that I read it anyways. Twitter has been gone for a while, I think Twitter is pointless now. Anything anyone says that’s not in this building and I’m not going to talk to on a day-to-day basis really doesn’t matter to me. The Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, all that stuff is just an unneeded distraction. My focus and attention needs to be elsewhere and I’m really too busy to get caught up in anything – positive or negative, because it’s not all negative. I’m here to do my job and I’m excited for Year 2.”