Mitch Trubisky Might’ve Just Had the Best Game By a Bears Quarterback … Ever

The headline isn’t hyperbole. Mitch Trubisky’s performance against the Detroit Lions was an all-timer, at least by the standards set by prior Chicago Bears quarterbacks.

Here’s how it looked in its full-blown graphic glory:

Trubisky finished the day completing 23 of 30 passes, throwing for 355 yards, 3 TDs through the air, another on the ground, and a passer rating of 148.6. It’s an impressive day, to be sure. So let’s punch in the numbers into Pro-Football-Reference and dive into how awesome it truly was.

Since the merger in 1970, there have been just 22 occasions in which an NFL quarterback has completed at least 70 percent of his passes, thrown multiple touchdowns, scored once on the ground, and gained at least 350 yards in the air. And if you’re familiar with the Bears’ history of quarterback play, then you won’t be surprised to learn that Trubisky is the only Bears player to have done it.

In the other 21 times has happened, only Drew Brees (in a December 2013 game against the Buccaneers) and Ryan Fitzpatrick (in Week 1 of the 2018 season against the Saints) posted a higher passer rating than Trubisky’s 148.6 when reaching these thresholds.

To be clear, big-time passing performances are happening all the time in the NFL. The rules favor quarterbacks and pass-catchers and have transformed how players play and how coaches scheme. But still … Trubisky’s performance stands out as a unique one. And with that in mind, let’s try to wrap our heads around how rare it is for a Bears quarterback to perform at this level.

(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Dating back to 1950, there have been just eight games in which a Bears quarterback has posted a passer rating of 100 or better, thrown multiple passing touchdowns, added a rushing score, and thrown for 300+ yards. Trubisky became the first to do it since Josh McCown in 2013 and is one of just four Bears to do it since the merger in 1970.

Let’s continue to narrow it down. Since 1970, only three Bears quarterbacks have thrown 30+ pass attempts, gained 350+ yards in the air, thrown at least 3 touchdowns, and put up a passer rating of 100 or better. Trubisky did it on Sunday to join Erik Kramer in 1998 (check out this box score against the Vikings) and Jim Miller in 1999 (again, this box score takes me back!) as the only Bears quarterbacks to reach these statistical markers in the last 48 years of NFL football. And unlike Kramer or Miller, Trubisky’s efforts came in a win.

This is pretty impressive, too:

As is this passing chart:

Look at all those down-field completions. *stares lovingly*

If you were waiting for a Trubisky breakout, you got it in Week 4 against the Buccaneers. But if you wanted to see him do it again, well, you got your wish in Week 10. Pro Football Weekly’s Hub Arkush called it “easily his best passing day as a pro.” The Athletic’s Jon Greenberg wrote Trubisky’s performance “at the very least, he made his critics hesitant to check their mentions on Twitter.” Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio conjured up the name of Sid Luckman when analyzing Trubisky’s game.

Through eight games, Trubisky has completed 65.5 percent of his passes, thrown for 2,304 yards, 19 touchdowns, 7 interceptions, and posted a quarterback rating of 101.6 while tacking on 320 rushing yards and three scores. That comes out to a 16-game pace of 4,096 passing yards, 34 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions to go along with 569 rushing yards and five scores. Those are nice numbers. So nice, Bears quarterback has ever done it. Sure, it says a lot about the franchise’s production at the position. But it also says a little something about how well Trubisky is starting to perform.

Trubisky’s season has been compared by some as a rollercoaster adventure. If that analogy is apt, then I think we’re getting to the part where it’s about to get really exciting. Hold on to your hats!

written by

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

Rome Odunze Has a Visit With the Bears Coming Soon

If you aren't already familiar with Rome Odunze's name or game, your time will come. The University of Washington wide receiver is one of the top prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. At this point of the year, I've officially...

Matt Eberflus Opens a Window to the Chicago Bears Draft Plans

NFL coaches are notoriously tight-lipped. And in his first two seasons as Bears head coach, Matt Eberflus has been no different. But every once in a while you'll catch Eberflus peel back the curtain and provide some insight regarding the...

What Does a Chicago Bears NFL Draft Trade Down Look Like?

You'd think we'd be well-versed in trade-back options after months of wondering what kind of haul it would take for the Bears to move off taking quarterback Caleb Williams with the first pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. But trading...

D-Line Thoughts, Caleb, GM Seth Rollins, Pack Votes No, and Other Bears Bullets

Cubs and White Sox opening day is today today. March Madness resumes with the Fighting Illini playing in the Sweet 16 later tonight. SIU, my alma mater, is reportedly hiring a "Coach Nagy" to lead its basketball team. And what...

Dan Campbell is Happy To See Justin Fields Leave the NFC North

There was no escaping the mixed emotions from Chicago Bears fans when the Justin Fields trade went down earlier this month. But there were none of that from Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell. Heck, I'd argue there was just...

Another Pass Rusher Signs Elsewhere: Jadeveon Clowney Lands With the Panthers

Another day. Another pass rusher signing. And another defensive lineman going to a team that isn't the Chicago Bears. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport was the first with the news of Jadeveon Clowney signing with the Carolina Panthers. Meanwhile, ESPN's...

Malik Nabers Might’ve Run His Way Out of the Chicago Bears Draft Spot

Today was LSU's Pro Day and Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles was scheduled to be in attendance, per The Athletic's Adam Jahns. Assuming Poles made his flight, he got a good look at the likes of quarterback Jayden Daniels, as...

Goodell on Bears Stadium Deal, No to Hard Knocks? More Old Friends Go to Steelers, and Other Bears Bullets

I keep forgetting that I have a Starbucks gift card from Christmas that has gone unused to this point. Maybe I'll remember it next time I go out for coffee. A big shout out to PFF Brad, who made the...

Ryan Poles Was Pissed Off By RGIII’s Comments About Caleb Williams Situation

When I saw them pop up, RGIII's comments suggesting Caleb Williams pull an Eli Manning and refuse to play for the Chicago Bears were met with an eye-roll, audible groan, and immediate dismissal before moving onto more pertinent topics. But...

Bears Stadium Update: Kevin Warren Reiterates Plans to Build in Downtown Chicago

It sure is starting to sound like Arlington Heights fumbled the bag when it comes to locking in Arlington Park as the future home of a Chicago Bears stadium. While meeting with the media at the NFL owners meetings in...

Latest News

Rome Odunze Has a Visit With the Bears Coming Soon

If you aren't already familiar with Rome Odunze's name or game, your time will come. The University of Washington wide receiver is one of the top prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. At this point of the year, I've officially...

Matt Eberflus Opens a Window to the Chicago Bears Draft Plans

NFL coaches are notoriously tight-lipped. And in his first two seasons as Bears head coach, Matt Eberflus has been no different. But every once in a while you'll catch Eberflus peel back the curtain and provide some insight regarding the...

How to Watch Braves vs. Phillies: Live Stream or on TV

The Atlanta Braves, with Spencer Strider on the mound, take on the Philadelphia Phillies (who will counter with Zack Wheeler) in their opening game of the season, at 3:05 PM ET on Friday.Keep reading to find out all the details...

Jonas Valančiūnas Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Bucks – Thursday, March 28, 2024

On Thursday at 8:00 PM ET, the New Orleans Pelicans play the Milwaukee Bucks, and Jonas Valančiūnas' 3-pointer prop for this clash requires just one trey.Jonas Valančiūnas' Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the BucksJonas Valanciunas' over/under for three-pointers in this game:...

Top 25 College Basketball Picks and Best Bets: March 28

The Illinois Fighting Illini and the Iowa State Cyclones hit the court in one of four games on the college basketball slate on Thursday that include a ranked team.How to Bet on Top 25 Games[lasso rel="draftkings-promo-1" id="299003"]Top 25 Games for...

What Does a Chicago Bears NFL Draft Trade Down Look Like?

You'd think we'd be well-versed in trade-back options after months of wondering what kind of haul it would take for the Bears to move off taking quarterback Caleb Williams with the first pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. But trading...

Diamondbacks vs. Rockies Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, March 28, 2024

The Arizona Diamondbacks begin their season as -226 favorites in a home tilt against the Colorado Rockies on Thursday at 10:10 PM ET, live on ARID.Arizona's Zac Gallen and Colorado's Kyle Freeland have been named the starters for this contest.Diamondbacks...

Mariners vs. Red Sox Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, March 28, 2024

The Seattle Mariners start their season as home favorites (-155) in a matchup with the Boston Red Sox on Thursday at 10:10 PM ET, live on NESN from T-Mobile Park.Seattle's Luis Castillo and Boston's Brayan Bello have been named the...

Guardians vs. Athletics Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, March 28, 2024

The Cleveland Guardians look to start their season with a win as road favorites (-145) in a season-opening matchup with the Oakland Athletics. First pitch is on Thursday at 10:07 PM ET on NBCS-CA, live from Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.Cleveland's Shane...

Damian Lillard Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Pelicans – Thursday, March 28, 2024

Will Damian Lillard make four 3-pointers when the Milwaukee Bucks face the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday at 8:00 PM ET? If so, he'll beat his prop for the game.Damian Lillard's Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the PelicansDamian Lillard's over/under for...

more bears news