Chicago Bears Mailbag: The Trubisky panic, Harrison Smith and more

@AlbertoLuna1500 - When do you think James Daniels takes over for Eric Kush?

Only Harry Hiestand can answer that question. He’s the one who will determine when Daniels is ready. Right now Eric Kush hasn’t done enough to warrant losing the job. He’s been rather mediocre in the running game but his pass protection has been steady and reliable. As long as that continues, he’ll likely keep the job. However, I’d keep an eye on the upcoming bye week. That might be the prime opportunity for Daniels to make his move with an extra week to prepare.

@AlbertoLuna1500 - When do you expect Bears to start using Javon Wims?

Right now they seem comfortable with the trio of Allen Robinson, Taylor Gabriel and Anthony Miller. They’re the best route runners on the team, so that shouldn’t be a surprise. Wims had a great preseason but he’s still not up to their level in that category. Now that could change as the season goes along, especially if injuries were to set in. I’d imagine he and Kevin White get more action in such an event. Otherwise, he may just have to wait his turn.

@logan_feltner - If the offense gels soon, I don’t think it’s hard to believe one bit that we can compete with the Pats, Rams, and Vikings when we get there. Your opinion on these games?

The Bears are much improved from where they were last year, but they’re not as complete a team as those three yet. I do believe they can be competitive with the Vikings who don’t look like the dominant force they were a year ago. Plus divisional games are almost always close. As for the Rams and Patriots? They’re the cream of the crop. Tom Brady and Bill Belichick are hard to beat. The Bears have had three chances already, twice with eventual playoff teams and failed. As for the Rams, I just don’t feel the offense is ready to keep up with them. Not yet.