The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Trubisky stands out in preseason Bears debut
When he was drafted by the Bears last April, Dave Trubisky said this about his son Mitchell heading to the Windy City.
“Location, location, location.”
The family was thrilled Mitchell’s NFL destination city would be relatively close to their Mentor home.
Location, location, location had another meaning on Aug. 10, as Trubisky made his NFL debut against the Broncos in a 24-17 loss.
It was a dazzling performance by the Mentor graduate, especially his accuracy.
He entered the game late in the second quarter. It wasn’t until early in the fourth quarter when Trubisky threw his first incompletion of the night. He started 10-for-10 passing.
He led the Bears to three scoring drives, displayed great accuracy, showed poise and pocket presence, wasn’t rattled, showed he can throw on the run, and — most important — provided a jolt into Chicago’s offense.
Trubisky’s final stat line was 18 of 25 passing for 166 yards with a TD pass and no interceptions. His passer rating was 103.1. He completed passes to 10 different receivers.
Trubisky also rushed three times for 37 yards.
Here’s five thoughts about a Trubisky debut that will likely cause Mitchell Mania in Chicago:
• There was buzz out of Bears camp from beat writers raving about Trubisky’s performance in training camp, and his results against the Broncos are proof of that. Coach John Fox, General Manager Ryan Pace and the rest of the Bears’ management might have to think long and hard about their plan of having Trubisky sit and learn in 2017 while Mike Glennon starts. Glennon did that against Denver and struggled, as he threw a pick-six on the team’s first possession.
• That being said, it’s one game, and a preseason one. How Trubisky responds the next time out at Arizona on Aug. 19 should be telling. Two solid games in a row, however, and ... well, you never know.
• The only mistake that jumped off the screen by Trubisky was a penalty for delay of game Trubisky when the Bears had the ball at the Broncos’ 3. The drive still resulted in points as Connor Barth made a field goal. Trubisky’s accuracy was a thing of beauty. He misfired on just seven passes, and had several drops. On several occasions, he made difficult throws on the run off bootleg playaction plays. Trubisky’s best throw of the night came early in the fourth quarter on a third-and-10 play when he stood in the pocket, fired a pass for 24 yards to Deonte Thompson and took a hit in the process. Bottom line:
Trubisky did not look like a rookie on this night.
• Fox’s decision to put Trubisky in the game just before halftime was a smart move for two reasons. His rookie QB took over at midfield, and after a nice running play on first down, it allowed Trubisky to go to work just outside Denver’s 30. The confidence grew from there. Three straight completions took the ball to the 2, where Trubisky found Victor Cruz for his first NFL touchdown pass with 17 seconds left before halftime. It also surely allowed Trubisky to shake off any nervousness he might have been feeling. There was speculation before the game Trubisky would start the second half. Fox inserting Trubisky just before halftime might have been a test. He aced it.
• A sampling of reaction to Trubisky’s performance on Twitter:
“Every plan is a good plan until it isn’t. Trubisky not sitting all year. No way.”
@LRiddickESPN, ESPN NFL analyst Louis Riddick
“Trubisky’s debut: 9-for9, 74 yards, 1 TD, 12 rush yards. Looks like the same player we saw at UNC. Athletic, efficient and accurate.”
@DPBrugler, Analyst for NFLDraftScout Dane Brugler
Finally, this text from Mentor coach Steve Trivisonno while watching his former QB’s NFL debut:
“It’s awesome. I am pacing back and forth.”