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Chicago Bears: Expectations For Mitchell Trubisky In 2019

By Khari Thompson

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 30: Mitchell Trubisky #10 of the Chicago Bears passes the ball in the second quarter of the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 30: Mitchell Trubisky #10 of the Chicago Bears passes the ball in the second quarter of the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

Set single-season passing yards/touchdown records

Through Chicago’s Week 11 contest with the Minnesota Vikings, Trubisky was averaging 246.9 passing yards a game. That’s certainly not Patrick Mahomes territory, but it put him on pace to earn about 3,950 yards for the season — enough to break Erik Kramer‘s single-season Chicago Bears mark of 3,838 yards in 1995.

He also was throwing for two touchdowns a game up to that point, which would have snuck him over the 30 TD mark. Again, that would have broken Kramer’s 1995 record of 29 touchdown throws. (Quick aside: man, are those records sad or what?)

His shoulder injury sustained on a late hit by Harrison Smith took him out of the running for both those marks. But he’ll be in play for that and much more in 2019.

Another year in Nagy’s offense should make a lot of difference for Trubisky’s stat lines. He clearly grew more comfortable as the year went on after looking lost at various points during the season’s first half (outside of his ridiculous six-touchdown performance against Tampa Bay).

If he keeps completing around 66 percent of his passes and sprinkles in some more intermediate and deep throws, the yards will come, no problem. The NFL is quickly becoming more geared to big passing numbers, which will help him.

Trubisky also has the tools to make a big leap in the red zone next season. He already proved he could throw pinpoint back-shoulder fades and jump balls to big targets last year. His ability to throw on the run to either side opens up bootleg and sprint-out plays regularly. Plus, he can improvise with his legs and his arm, as shown on this touchdown throw to Anthony Miller.

Experience will turn more of 2018’s missed opportunities into touchdowns in 2019. With his talent and this offensive system, he should set a few new single-season marks for the Chicago Bears next year.

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