Chicago Bears: Previous QBs weren’t known for fast starts either
By Erik Lambert
The avalanche of criticism on Mitch Trubisky from a sizable fringe of Chicago Bears fans remains ongoing. It’s hard to understand why that could be.
They’re not gullible enough to think that a franchise known for quarterback mismanagement across several decades would suddenly find the secret formula to getting this young man off to a fast start, right? Apparently, that’s giving some people too much credit. The fact of the matter is the former #2 pick has come in far under the lofty expectations of some people.
After 14 career games, during which he switched entire offensive systems and surrounding personnel, he’s not a superstar. Pack it in. Season’s over. This is just further proof that some people have no concept of the basic realities of playing quarterback in the NFL. It’s hard. Really hard. Are there certain QBs who get off to a good start? Sure, but they are the exception. Not the norm.
Much more often people will find it takes at least one full slate of 16 games played before progress starts to become notable. A mark that Trubisky has not yet reached, by the way. During his early run, he has 9 touchdown passes and 9 interceptions. Not great but far from the worst previous drafted Bears quarterbacks have done. In fact, several of those notable QBs in Bears history offer some clarification on what time and patience might bring.
Chicago Bears QB history affirms that waiting it out can yield results
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Don’t get it twisted. The Bears QB history is mostly an ugly one in the Super Bowl era, but there have been a couple of bright spots. For this, we’ll stick with a common theme. Notably, those who were actually drafted by the team and started at least two seasons worth of games for them. This way it will be easy to monitor the progress made from the first 16 games through the next 16. Did they make any sort of progress in that time? The majority says yes.
- First 16 games: 2,815 yards, 14 TDs, 17 INTs
- Next 16 games: 2,290 yards, 17 TDs, 6 INTs
- First 16 games: 1,483 yards, 2 TDs, 6 INTs
- Next 16 games: 2,413 yards, 13 TDs, 10 INTs
- First 16 games: 2,942 yards, 18 TDs, 16 INTs
- Next 16 games: 2,841 yards, 14 TDs, 19 INTs
- First 16 games: 2,053 yards, 9 TDs, 14 INTs
- Next 16 games: 2,880 yards, 18 TDs, 10 INTs
The numbers state it pretty clearly. Aside from Grossman (because of course), each Bears quarterback saw at least a minor and sometimes a major improvement in passing efficiency from their first 16 games to their next 16. That means more touchdowns and fewer interceptions. If guys like Harbaugh and Orton, who were never that good, could do it. Why can’t Trubisky?
He’s more talented than anybody on that list above, including the beloved McMahon. He deserves the same courtesy of being allowed the time to explore how good he can get. That defense isn’t going anywhere for the time being. It should still be good for the next couple years. The worst thing the Bears could do is try to start over at QB now when they’re committed.