MONDAY NIGHT IS PERFECT STAGE FOR TRUBISKY
@ manuelthecrow: How do you expect Mitch [ Trubisky] to play on Monday? Like in the preseason or more struggling?
A: It’s safe to say that the Bears rookie won’t have the same 103.1 passer rating he put up in Week 1 of the preseason against many Broncos who have since been chased out of the league.
For one, it’s the regular season. For another, he’s facing the Vikings, who play a fierce, physical style that’s centered around their double- mug blitz, in which linebackers rush over both shoulders of the center.
Trubisky will roll out a lot — that way, the Bears can halve the decisions and coverage reads he has to make. His athleticism will keep the defense honest and make the running game better.
@ chicago_ hitman: Stat prediction for Trubisky on Monday night.
A: No more dancing around it, I guess. He won’t have the same high completion percentage as Mike Glennon, but the Bears hope he won’t throw the same number of interceptions, either. Let’s go with this stat line: 18- for- 29, 215 yards, one touchdown pass, one pick and a very average passer rating of 81.8. And here’s a new one: 45 yards rushing.
@ zberg034: Can we expect far more diverse play- calling Monday night now that we have a QB capable of doing it all: [ run- pass options], rollouts, [ play- action], deep shots, etc.
A: “Diverse” isn’t the word I’d use. The offense will be different than the one Glennon has been running, but the Bears won’t stretch Trubisky’s knowledge too far in his debut. I’ll be watching for more play- action passes and rollouts, which will allow Trubisky to show off his accuracy on the run. The Bears will use some runpass options, sure, but remember: This ain’t college. Calling too many planned quarterback runs is the fastest way to send your new starter to the trainer’s room. As for deep balls: Trubisky throws a better one, with more zip, than his predecessor. But who’s going to catch it? And will the Bears have an appetite for risk when they’re trying to avoid turnovers?
@ MartyDek78: How does he sell the wildcat play when he’s lined up at WR?
A: Did you see Jay Cutler lined up at receiver during the Dolphins’ London game Sunday? He had his hands on each hip and stood statue- still, like he was waiting on a train in a painting. Jay is the best. Contrast that with Glennon, who actually blocked on a wildcat touchdown this year when lined up at the same spot — receiver along the right side.
@ Billywires: Can [ Josh] Bellamy start being a baller, too?
A: This is in reference to the receiver’s assertion that Trubisky is a “baller.” Thought experiment: Had he caught a potential game- winning Week 1 touchdown pass from Glennon with less than a minute left, would the veteran quarterback still be starting for the resurgent 2- 2 Bears? I think he would. @ champ688: Since Mitch and [ Tanner] Gentry had good chemistry during the preseason. Do you think it would be good to bring Tanner back on the starting squad?
A: The fan base’s unreasonable obsession with Gentry isn’t quite at David Ross levels, but it’s getting dangerously close. The short answer is no. If the Bears thought Gentry could help them — and receiver is their thinnest position, by far — he’d be on their 53- man roster already. His chemistry with Trubisky is worth noting, yes, but won’t be the reason they promote him.