The Chicago Bears’ first training camp practice open to the public arrives on July 21 and we’ll be there, literally. But with training camp rapidly approaching and the team’s August 2 debut at the Hall of Fame Game around the corner, let’s take an early look at who’s on the team right now.
Previous: None.
Today: Quarterback
The Starter: Mitch Trubisky (59.4 completion pct., 2,193 yards, 7 TD, 7 INT, 77.5 rating, 75.7 grade from Pro Football Focus in 12 starts)
The Backups: Chase Daniel, Tyler Bray
Potential Training Camp Star: All signs point to Trubisky having a breakout season, but no one dominates training camp like a backup quarterback. That leaves Daniel and Bray as potential summertime darlings, especially if they successfully carve up backups and fringe roster players. Remember, Trubisky made hay last season as the third-stringer behind Mike Glennon and Mark Sanchez. Who’s to say Daniel and Bray can’t do the same?
We Really Like: It’s hard not to like what Daniel brings to the table as a backup. Daniel doesn’t have loads of NFL experience, but he makes up for it with a deep familiarity of Matt Nagy’s system and knowledge of what it takes to be a successful professional quarterback. Relationships with Drew Brees, Alex Smith, and other top quarterbacks could be worth drawing upon when Trubisky needs a shoulder to lean on.
We Might Be Worried About: I do everything I can to not think about a doomsday scenario where Trubisky is injured, but the lack of talented depth at this position is a bit troublesome. If anything were to happen to QB1, the Bears will be forced to fall back on a quarterback in his age 32 season who has thrown just three pass attempts in the last three seasons. As the summer goes on, I wouldn’t be surprised if the team brought in some competition for a practice squad spot.
2018 Forecast: The Bears will go only as far as Trubisky takes them, and the organization clearly has a belief that he can lead the way to the promise land. Why else would the front office pour millions of dollars into a quarterback-friendly coaching staff, not to mention a new set of pass-catching targets? Trubisky projects to take a big step in 2018 and sniffing the first 4,000-yard passing season in franchise history isn’t out of the realm of possibilities.