Chicago Bears…are winning the Mitch Trubisky trade (ducks)
By Erik Lambert
Chicago Bears GM Ryan Pace never had a greater target on his head than following the 2017 NFL draft. Many called it the one that got him fired.
Why? Well there were lots of reasons listed, but it boiled down to one primary. It was his decision to move up in the 1st round to draft quarterback Mitch Trubisky. Few players were a bigger lightning rod for criticism leading up to the draft. Not because the 23-year old from North Carolina lacked talent. Most stated he had enough for the NFL. It was the fact he was by far the most inexperienced of the top QBs in the class.
He only had 13 games of starting experience in college. By comparison, fellow 1st round pick Deshaun Watson had over 30 when he came out of Clemson. Experts feared that Trubisky was a project that could take as many as three years before he finally got good. Especially under the questionable guidance of former head coach John Fox. So to spend not just a top 5 pick on him but move up to do so? It was supreme folly.
Or so they thought.
Direction of trade is decisively swinging in the Bears’ favor as Trubisky blossoms
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The trade was an unusual one because of the circumstances. Nearly every expert voiced displeasure at the move because they felt it was unnecessary. Pace gave up two 3rd round picks and a 4th round pick to the 49ers to move from #3 to #2 in order to secure his quarterback. Why do that when it was apparent (in their minds) that Trubisky would be there at #3? This despite heavy rumors that San Francisco was receiving calls from other teams about a move up. All told, they ended up turning that trade into six players.
Foster who is the only notable player who has done something of significant value for the team, and that’s come at a hefty price. Not only has he endured a myriad of injuries through his first two seasons, but he also got into trouble off the field that nearly landed him in prison. Not exactly what they were hoping for.
Thomas? He’s been a disappointment as a pass rusher with three sacks in 22 games. Warner has become the starting middle linebacker but hasn’t really stood out to this point. The same can be said of Colbert at the strong safety position. Pettis has three catches for 96 yards as a rookie. Reed has had one good game as a kick returner but has also fumbled twice.
The 49ers are 1-7 and face of the prospect of their quarterback coming off a torn ACL with still questionable talent around him. Trubisky? He’s on pace to set Bears single-season passing records and has his team 4-3 with first place in the division. If he maintains his current momentum he’ll be the first 4,000-yard passer in team history and first to throw for 30 touchdowns.
It’s hard for San Francisco to make any sort of counterargument to that at this point.