Mitch Trubisky doesn't have a lot of believers across the national landscape lately. This isn't a huge surprise. Not only did he start slow this season with no TD passes until his third game. He's now dealing with a dislocated shoulder that knocked him out of one game and will likely cost at least one more in London. Some people including a former MVP in Boomer Esiason have openly wondered if the offense might be better off in the hands of veteran backup Chase Daniel. It's hard to find hope for Trubisky. In such a case, perhaps Chicago Bears fans could look at Marcus Mariota.
Over the past two years, the former #2 overall pick of the Tennessee Titans looked like a lost cause. In 29 games he threw for 5,760 yards with 24 touchdowns and 23 interceptions. Tennessee resorted to a heavily run-oriented offense built around Derrick Henry and a strong defense. Many felt that this year would be Mariota's last stand. It was a virtual certainty that he would flounder again and finally be replaced next offseason.
That's the funny thing about predictions. A lot of them end up being false. Mariota is off to the best start of his NFL career. Through four games he has seven touchdown passes and no interceptions, posting a 106.2 passer rating. All while being sacked a ridiculous 17 times. It's a sign that he's learned to play within himself and being disciplined about his decision-making. It may have taken longer than expected, but it's a welcome sign that he may finally be turning the corner.
It's also a glimmer of hope that perhaps the same can happen for Trubisky.
Mitch Trubisky still has time to make believers out of people
Part of what's pushing this narrative of Trubisky so fast is the sense of urgency. Chicago knows they have a generational defense on their hands. Easily the best they've had since the 2005-2006 group that featured Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs, and Charles Tillman in their primes. That amazing group was wasted on the likes of Rex Grossman and Kyle Orton at quarterback. The Bears don't want the same thing to happen all over again. Hence the rising doubts with Trubisky.
There is one difference though. He's more talented than they were.
That said, 10 games remain for him to play this season. That is plenty of time for him to get back on track. To recapture the form he teased in that playoff game against Philadelphia. Head coach Matt Nagy has also said the complexity of his offense makes it where a QB doesn't really start to take off until his third year in it. Some guys might even take longer than that. Mariota is one example. Alex Smith didn't explode in Kansas City until his fifth season in the scheme.
The question is can the Bears afford to stay patient? Much of that depends on how Trubisky finishes this year. Still, there are examples out there that patience pays off with quarterbacks. Not always, but enough times to offer hope.
