Chicago Tribune (Sunday)

Inaccurate to label Trubisky inaccurate

- BRAD BIGGS

I can understand that with the change at head coach and offensive coordinato­r there can be growing pains. But I was expecting things more in the line of miscues, miscommuni­cation or bad reads. Turns out the main issue with Mitch Trubisky is severe inaccuracy. Can this be fixed with time? — @gongimenez

I don’t think it is fair to say “severe inaccuracy” is the problem for Trubisky and the offense. Among quarterbac­ks with a minimum of 70 pass attempts, Trubisky ranks eighth in completion percentage at 69.2. He has been on target on the short stuff, which is the majority of what the Bears have thrown. We’re seeing a lot of passes thrown at or near the line of scrimmage to receivers moving horizontal­ly. He has missed on the throws downfield, and in each game we’ve seen examples of balls significan­tly off the mark. That has more to do with foot mechanics, field vision, comfort in the pocket and timing than it does with Trubisky’s ability to purely throw an accurate ball. All of those factors, of course, play into it, and he has to do a better job of seeing the field and reacting. Has Akiem Hicks been getting the credit he deserves?

— Tim M., Trevor, Wis. Hicks is getting a good deal of credit, and you hear his name mentioned often. Sure, Khalil Mack is generating tons of interest, but Hicks has establishe­d himself as a disruptive player, and the Bears are getting his best in a 3-4 scheme. He’s really good and is making plays while creating opportunit­ies for teammates. When did Josh Bellamy jump over Kevin White on the depth chart? — @bertman418­09 Bellamy and White have had similar playing time this season, but White has yet to be targeted. Bellamy is also a valuable contributo­r on special teams. Unless there are more injuries, I wouldn’t expect either one to play considerab­le roles on offense.

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