Chicago Bears: Mitch Trubisky’s growth showed vs. Seahawks

It wasn’t a perfect night for Chicago Bears quarterback Mitch Trubisky. The Seattle Seahawks have a way of flustering people like that.

At the same time, amidst a dominant defensive effort, it’s easy to miss how much growth he actually showed during the team’s first win of the season. One that he had a big part in. It started on the first drive of the game in which he led an impressive 96-yard march that ended with a nifty shovel pass for a touchdown. After that? It got a little rocky.

Trubisky threw two interceptions in the first half, one of which came off a tipped ball. People were ready to eat him alive for not giving the team a bigger lead when the defense was playing so well. Even Trubisky knew it as he was seen slamming his helmet on the ground towards the end of the half. It would appear he channeled that frustration in a positive manner.

Coming out in the third quarter, Trubisky played what may have been the best half of his young career. The numbers won’t really tell it but the execution of the offense will. The Bears had four brutal three-and-outs last week against Green Bay, something that fueled the collapse of the defense in the 4th quarter.

This time? Trubisky wasn’t having that.

Mitch Trubisky kept defense rested with key first downs in 2nd half

After a three-and-out to start the second half, Trubisky delivered two overlooked drives in the 3rd and beginning of the 4th quarters. The first helped collect two first downs. It wasn’t much but it did shave off some critical clock that allowed the defense, which was playing lights out to get a needed breather. Then came the critical drive of the game.

Getting the ball with 5:30 left in the 3rd, Trubisky and the offense embarked on a brilliant 11-play march that ended with a touchdown that put the team up 17-3. The quarterback was 4-for-4 on the drive for 31 yards including two first downs and a pretty touchdown to Anthony Miller. He also scrambled for four yards. That drive seemed to settle the team down and the defense closed the door with two turnovers in the fourth quarter.

He wasn’t perfect by any means, but he deserves credit for making a number of plays to help his team win a big game in primetime. As the season goes on and he gains comfort with his receivers and the system, the improvement should only continue to grow.