HE’S GOT THE LOOK
Whatever happens in last three games, Trubisky showing he has plenty to offer Bears’ next staff
Signs of progress? The most important thing for Mitch Trubisky in the last three games of the season is for him to be walking upright out of U. S. Bank Stadium on Dec. 31 in good health.
Trubisky is likely to face an offseason of change after the conclusion of his rookie season— likely a new head coach, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. And almost certainly significant changes in his wide receiver corps. His rapport with CamMeredith is likely more important than his rapport with KendallWright. And it’s possible his connection with Kevin White could be more important than his connection with Dontrelle Inman.
Almost regardless of what Trubisky does in the last three games, his most significant “progress” is that he looks the part and plays the part of quarterback of the future. He hasn’t justified the high price general manager Ryan Pace paid to take him ahead of Deshaun Watson, but on the field, in the huddle and in the locker room, Trubisky has shown enough leadership to go with his skill set that the next guy will have a lot towork with. He’s not Cade McNown.
“He’s a stud,” said guard Josh Sitton, who had a front- row seat for the ascent of Aaron Rodgers from prospect to superstar. “You saw the talent right away . . . the nuances of the game, he just keeps learning and learning. He gives you all the confidence in the world as a guy in the locker room and on the field, in the huddle. He has that look in his eye where you’re thinking, ‘ All right — he’s going to get the job done.’ ’’
There’s no doubt Trubisky is a better quarterback today than he was when he made his first start against the Vikings inWeek 5. He’s not only learning how to play quarterback at the NFL level, but growing into the role of face- ofthefranchise NFL quarterback — something the Bears haven’t had arguably since Sid Luckman.
“I feel like I’ve been getting better each week,” Trubisky said. “I don’t know about specific areas. All I’m worried about is winning and getting better each day. I think it all starts with leadership and coming into the building, working hard, making sure I’mpreparing the right way. Walking around the building with a positivemindset, picking up the guys, making sure everyone’s locked in at practice. And then doingmy job.”
These three games will be fun to watch but a little scary for disgruntled Bears fans looking forward to a coaching change. It’s possible — though not likely— that Trubisky could be good enough in the last three games to convince Pace that coach John Fox, offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains and quarterbacks coach Dave Ragone have earned the right to carry on after overcoming a season of liabilities— the Mike Glennon experience, the dearth of NFL- quality wide receivers, etc.— to take Trubisky from Point A to Point B.
“I’mproud of where we’ve come as a team,” Trubisky said, “and you can look at the wins and losses. But I think there is different growth as far as chemistry and the positive vibe around the building and how we feel, the attitude in the locker room. That’s probably what I feel best about— where the mindset is at.”
That’s a solid foundation. And a strong finish would be encouraging — even against a Bengals defense missing five starters, a fading Lions defense that ranks 27th in total yards, a winless Browns team and a Vikings defense that could be coasting to the playoffs. But with the winds of change blowing toward Halas Hall, it’s all about next season for Trubisky. As long as he gets there in one piece, it’s all good.