Overprotecting is Defensive Thinking with Mitchell Trubisky
The Bears have this shiny new toy and they’re afraid it might break. I’ve heard this analogy thrown around about the decision to sit Mitch Trubisky.
Those in favor of this decision Trubisky point to David Carr as an example of what can happen when a team puts a young quarterback into a terrible situation. Carr was destroyed behind a horrific offensive line without much help; shattering both his body and confidence.
Or, you can look at what happens when a team like Green Bay sits Aaron Rodgers for a few years to develop, forgetting that Rodgers was playing behind a future Hall of Famer and needed significant work on his mechanics, among other things.
Another variable is the lack of trust with the Bears coaching staff and their ability to develop Trubisky.
I’m not dismissing concerns that playing Trubisky early could wind up being a bad move. It’s possible that he isn’t ready. It’s possible he could struggle and needs more time to learn. It’s also possible this coaching staff has no clue how to develop Trubisky, but to me, that’s thinking defensively.
Based on what we saw in preseason, Trubisky is a quick study. He processes information quickly, rebounds from adversity and is confident. Trubisky had arguably the most impressive preseason of the rookie quarterbacks and his skill set also fits into what offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains wants to do: West Coast concepts; quick reads and throws; timing based offense.
The Bears coaching staff feel Trubisky is ready enough to be the #2 quarterback. If Glennon gets hurt or the staff decides to make a change during the game, Trubisky is the next man up. If the Bears didn’t feel Trubisky was ready enough, Mark Sanchez would be #2. But he’s not yet ready to be the starter?
Quarterbacks are a case by case basis. In Trubisky’s, he showed flashes in preseason, received rave reviews from teammates/coaches and is currently sitting behind a mediocre quarterback who has failed to prove why he should be playing. Had Trubisky struggled in training camp/preseason, this wouldn’t be a conversation, but that didn’t happen.
If Trubisky gets his shot, which he probably will sooner than later, there will be struggles. Probably a lot of struggles and that’s ok. It’s part of the process for a young quarterback. What matters most is how Trubisky responds from those valleys.
Based on everything we’ve heard and read, Trubisky isn’t easily rattled. He has a quiet confidence about him but that shouldn’t be mistaken for insecurity. Remember, it’s the quiet ones you sometimes have to worry about.
It’s unrealistic to expect Trubisky steps in and sets the World on fire. There has to be patience and a macro perspective to his development knowing there will be peaks and valleys. The hope is that the peaks become more consistent as he gains experience.
Understandably, the last thing an organization wants to do is rush their future franchise quarterback into action before he’s ready. There is a fear of ruining confidence and inhibiting development, but that’s not what we’re talking about with Trubisky.
Through 2 games so far this season, the Bears fan base is frustrated and rightfully so. Losing a winnable game Week 1 and getting destroyed in Tampa Bay on Sunday brings back memories of wounds still fresh.
It’s important to understand how close the Bears are to contending if Trubisky is legit. A franchise quarterback can turn an organization’s future around immediately and, looking at the Bears roster, while there are holes, top to bottom it’s pretty solid (when healthy).
I can’t tell you if Trubisky is a surefire franchise quarterback though. We’ve seen some flashes, but until he plays no one really knows. What I can tell you though is Glennon isn’t the present nor the future. All he’s doing is blocking the organization from finding out if Trubisky is the guy.
John Fox believes Glennon gives his team the best chance to win. The more experienced player is the smarter, less risky choice. But is he though? What has Glennon shown so far that Trubisky isn’t capable of doing in this offense? Does less risk involve turning the ball over 3 times?
What if Trubisky gives this team the better chance to win? Even if he doesn’t, it’s still a better option because the Bears get to see what they have in their young quarterback, where he’s at development wise and what he needs to improve on going into year two.
The Bears are thinking defensively right now. They’re trying to protect their investment by not playing him until he’s ready. But how do they know if he doesn’t play? Trubisky showed in preseason that he’s at the very least capable of making plays and adding new dimensions to the offense.
It’s okay if Trubisky gets some bumps and bruises along the way. It’s okay if he fails and struggles. Just play the kid. Throw him in the fire and see how he responds. From there, the Bears adjust and adapt to his development path.
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