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The Bears are no strangers to new offensive signal callers. A franchise of which has enjoyed no stability at quarterback since the 1980s has somehow seen 13 different starters alone since 2010. From the noodle-armed wizardry of one Todd Collins to the ever-puzzling, rocket-armed (if disappointing) Jay Cutler, Chicago has experienced every style of play. None have been rather effective or surgical or even good, but, much to the chagrin of each person who dares invest a semblance of motion to the Bears, every other style has been on display.
The latest change comes pre-packaged with the unfortunate failings of potential. After a lackluster effort against one of the worst defenses in professional football, Mitchell Trubisky, the No. 2 overall pick of the 2017 NFL Draft, has lost his starting role due to poor play for the first time in his career. In his place arrives Nick Foles, a man now notorious for carrying multiple performance-enhancing four-leaf clovers in a hand-warming pouch that allow him to stand out as one of the best backup passers in NFL history. Barring injury or lackluster passing beyond all regard on his part, Foles’ ouster of the younger passer will likely last for the remainder of Trubisky’s career in Chicago as a starter. For a team that considers itself to be in win-now mode as a serious heavyweight, this was the last domino to fall. The uncomfortable monkey on everyone’s back that had to finally be ripped off.
It certainly isn’t the easiest dynamic to contend with for anyone else on the Bears’ roster or coaching staff. Foles and Trubisky especially should have their own issues to work out in private. But it is the hand Chicago has been dealt. And one that they have no other choice but to play. If the smallest of sample sizes is any indication, such as Foles’ three touchdown passes in the last 6:20 of a thriller in Atlanta, then the Bears’ hand is something to marvel at for a bona fide contender.
If not, it was never meant to be for Matt Nagy’s bunch anyway.
Windy City Gridiron’s staff picks Bears-Colts.
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