Thanksgiving is less than a week away. And because the Bears play on Thanksgiving this year, my celebration of the holiday is coming a day sooner. The turkey, ham, and ingredients for no-bake cheesecake have been purchased. I just can’t help but feel like something is missing that I haven’t accounted for yet. I’ll probably think of it as I put the turkey in the frying oil on Wednesday evening.

• This topsy-turvy season has driven Chicago Bears Head Coach Matt Nagy a bit batty:

Nagy on Mitch Trubisky’s improvement “I’ll say this, the last 2 weeks, and I’m speaking on Mitch, he has without a doubt gotten a lot better at the QB position. Decision making, throws…where he’s at the last 2 weeks has been a lot better.” #Bears

— Shae Peppler Cornette (@shaepeppler) November 20, 2019

• UGH. Statistically speaking, Nagy *ISN’T* wrong. In Mitch Trubisky’s first seven games, he averaged 173.9 passing yards per game, thrown 5 touchdowns to 3 interceptions, and posted a passer rating of 80.0. But over the last two weeks, Trubisky has averaged 181.5 yards per game, thrown 4 touchdowns to 1 interception, and has an 89.4 passer rating. So, technically … Nagy is correct in saying Trubisky has improved the last two weeks. It’s just really hard to accept that this is where we’re at in assessing the quarterback’s play in November 2019. Three years into his career, this is how we’re judging Trubisky? Yikes.
• Look, I understand wanting to put on a strong front with words of encouragement for a quarterback who has been beaten at every turn this season. And I have long been a believer in positive reinforcement during the darkest times. But this ain’t it. Trubisky has seen decline in the following statistical categories: completion percentage, TD%, INT%, yards/attempt, adjusted yards/attempt, yards/completion, yards/game, passer rating, ESPN’s QBR. I just can’t see where Trubisky has gotten better.
• There is nowhere to go but up, Mitchell:

Mitch Trubisky's current pass yds/gm of 175.6 has him ranked behind 2007 Rex Grossman (176.4), 1964 Billy Wade (176.7), 1998 Steve Stenstrom (178.9), 1953 George Blanda (180.3), 2004 Chad Hutchinson (180.6) & 2017 Mitch Trubisky (182.8). Also- 2017 Mike Glennon (208.3) #Bears100

— Bill Zimmerman (@ZimmermanSXM) November 22, 2019

• Maybe I just need more perspective. Because, I suppose you can say that Trubisky has been better over the last two games when compared with how he played earlier. But that is such a low bar too clear. And that he isn’t even at replacement level when it comes to players at his position is so discouraging, it makes the idea of him simply getting better from being bad makes the whole conversation disingenuous. Blergh!
• Trubisky’s development is already being used as a cautionary tale for other teams with young quarterbacks. Mark Schofield of SB Nation’s Big Blue Review shares the lessons that can be learned from how the Bears have handled the Trubisky experience.
• A palate cleanser: Here is a Prince in a Benz:

• Amazon has started its Black Friday countdown deals, so make sure you check out here. BN may get a commission when you shop through our links, so thanks!
• Considering that it’s Giants Week, this was a good pull by Prince Amukamara:

Gonna tell my kids this was “Coming to America” pic.twitter.com/iJlyH9pAwa

— Prince Amukamara (@PrinceAmukamara) November 21, 2019

• Reading up on the continuing legacy of the Payton Family Foundation’s annual toy drive warms my heart.
• The NFL will soon drop its list of greatest players in the league’s 100-year history, and Adam Rank offers up the argument for Sweetness as he lists Walter Payton as the best of the best.
• The Giants are getting healthier:

Nate Solder advanced in concussion protocol with a full-contact practice today. So Solder, Sterling Shepard and Janoris Jenkins are all at the final stage awaiting clearance from independent docs in order to play Sunday vs Bears.

If cleared, expectation is all 3 play. #nygiants

— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) November 21, 2019

• And it looks like they are about to get creative as they search for a win:

Just asked Jabrill Peppers if he has lobbied to return punts or kicks this year. Says he has at times, and says of Sunday in Chicago: “You’ll see me and Golden (Tate) back there.” 👀 #Giants on verge of giving Peppers a chance to put the ball in his hands and change a game.

— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) November 21, 2019

• Welp:

Current status of 2020 first-round picks that have been traded:
Bears ➡️ Raiders: 14th
Steelers ➡️ Dolphins: 16th
Rams ➡️ Jaguars: 20th
Texans ➡️ Dolphins: 25th

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) November 22, 2019

• Would it be neat if the Bears had a first-round pick this year? Sure. Was the juice worth the squeeze? Yes. Any time your team can acquire a generational talent at the cost of being picks and draft picks, you do pull the trigger. It is that simple.
• An improving defense while the offense is a step behind is the story of our lives now:

Despite Even Tougher Competition, the Bulls Defense Seems To Be Improvinghttps://t.co/4O4hIk55cr

— Bleacher Nation Bulls (@BN_Bulls) November 21, 2019