Chicago Bears: Mitch Trubisky better be ready to go
Chicago Bears backup quarterback Mitch Trubisky needs to be ready to play
The Chicago Bears started this season with a quarterback controversy. Here’s the thing, that hasn’t changed as we head into Week 8. Nick Foles was supposed to jumpstart this offense. That happened only when he came in to replace Mitch Trubisky versus the Atlanta Falcons. Outside of that game though, he has been nothing but average. Monday night, he was even below average.
Now, I am not saying that Foles is at fault. The offensive line is in shambles and the play-calling has been nothing but suspect. None of these things helps Nick Foles in the least. In fact, it makes things worse. However, Foles had opportunities once again to make a big play, and just like Trubisky, he missed.
An interesting stat according to NFL.com is that over his last six games, Nick Foles has thrown at least one interception per game. This is currently the longest active streak in the NFL. Although the Chicago Bears offense was stagnant on Monday versus the Rams, the defense was great for most of the game. At halftime, the game was still in hand as the Rams were only up by seven points. However, as the game carried on, the defense was gassed and the Bears lost control.
Although the score was only 24-10 by the end of the game, it sure felt like the score was far worse. As the game went on, I could not help but be upset with Nagy’s decision making. I could not help but scream at the television every time the offensive line failed to block (my throat is very hoarse). Finally, I could not help but advocate for a change at quarterback — not because I think Trubisky should be the starter, but just because the offense needed a spark.
Foles was struggling out there. He was making awful decisions and he could not escape the pocket. Late in the third quarter, I thought Nagy should have made the switch. If Trubisky did well, I would not have even guaranteed he would be the Chicago Bears starter again going forward.
However, like in the Falcons game, I thought Trubisky could help shift the offense. He has the athleticism to escape the pocket in a way Foles cannot. He has the ability to extend plays. Why not make the switch on Monday night? Why not see what could happen?
Neither quarterback has been able to make this offense work. I am not sure it would matter if Aaron Rodgers was behind this line trying to make these plays work. However, if Foles struggles again versus the Saints, Mitch Trubisky needs to be ready. It might not be only an injury that pushes Foles back to the bench. This team is 5-2 and must fight for the playoffs. It is about winning each game and it does not matter which quarterback is under center.