Ex-GM Thinks Mitch Trubisky Has Edge Over Foles But Will Still Lose

Opinions on the upcoming competition between Mitch Trubisky and Nick Foles have run the gambit. There are those who feel Trubisky is the entrenched starter and will get the first crack at saving his job. Others think Foles' experience and history with this coaching staff and system will carry the day. Both arguments have merit, which is why it's difficult to predict a winner.

That is why the best way to approach the conversation is with a simpler question. Who has the edge? As time has gone on, the pendulum has steadily swung in favor of Trubisky. This is because of the crazy situation brought on by COVID-19. No minicamps, no OTAs, and restricted travel have meant Foles can't even practice with his new teammates yet. Meanwhile, Trubisky has been doing so in personal workouts for weeks.

Throw in the preseason being cut from four games to two and it decreases the chances Foles will have to show he is superior. There are rumblings the preseason could be cut altogether. David Kaplan asked Mike Tannenbaum if this gives Trubisky a big edge in the competition. The former Jets and Dolphins GM's answer was interesting.

"I think so. Absolutely because continuity is going to matter. Obviously Trubisky's been there even though the relationship that Foles has with the offensive staff there. But I think at the end of the day as it relates to the Bears, Nick Foles is the better player. This is a consequential year for not only Coach Nagy but Ryan Pace the general manager. They're going to play the best player and I don't think there's any question Nick Foles is the better football player. So barring something unforeseen, I think Foles is going to be the starter in Chicago."

Mitch Trubisky has a lot of doubters in the media

It's actually interesting to see the contrasts in opinions regarding Trubisky. Current or former front office guys like Tannenbaum have consistently expressed their belief that Foles will emerge victorious in the competition. On the flip side, current and former players seem to think Trubisky will keep the job. Guys like Kurt Warner, Josh McCown, and even new teammate Ted Ginn Jr. have stated as much.

What it will come down to is whether Foles can show his value in training camp. Not an easy task but not impossible. If he can string some good performances together against that defense, it will be hard to ignore. Trubisky though has no intention of backing down. He still views the job as his and is prepared to fight for it. He's putting in tons of offseason work, appears in good shape and remains engrossed in the playbook.

This could come down to who makes the biggest first impression when the pads finally go on at the end of this month.