Understand that John Fox is old school. He's 62-years old and was raised in the NFL by the late, great Chuck Noll. That was a man known for being more about logic and less about emotion when it came to players. He didn't praise or criticize much. He instead focused on helping players to find ways on how they could improve from one game to the next. Fox is a bit more laid back than Noll was, but he carries on a similar tradition.
He'll say if a player played well. He'll say if he needs to correct some things. This is how he believes a head coach is supposed to operate. Never give the players too much of either side. Praise them but make it clear they can be better. Criticize them but remind that they know how to play this game better than most.
However, every so often a certain player comes along that those traditional rules don't apply to. Somebody who just has something about them. An infectious personality and charisma that gets people feeling better about the team and themselves. Not even the coaches are immune to it, and now Fox has fallen victim too. (continue to next page)
John Fox leaps at chance to talk about Mitch Trubisky
Rookie quarterback Mitch Trubisky has blown through the Bears locker room like a fresh ocean breeze in a scorched desert. It started slowly. Certain teammates speaking out, praising the rookie for his hard work and dedication to the team effort. Then it became stories of his exploits in practice, his constant improvement. Then offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains was the latest convert, calling Trubisky "special" not once but twice. Now after a thrilling victory in Baltimore, it seems the kid has made a big fan out of the old school head coach. Fox was so anxious to talk up Trubisky in his Monday press conference he actually interrupted before the question was even finished. [video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="https://www.sportsmockery.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Fox-on-Trubiskys-playmaking-ability000125.600-000252.217.mp4"][/video] Fox referenced all three plays I mentioned in a previous article that were pivotal to the Bears' victory yesterday. All three had nothing to do with scheme or talent around him. They were pure individual efforts by the quarterback in key moments that led to victory. It started with pinpoint 27-yard touchdown toss to Dion Sims that appeared to break the game open late in the first half. Then it was his rescuing of a botched snap to avoid a safety. Finally it was the clutch third down throw in overtime to set up the winning field goal. His only notable mistake of the game was a sack fumble that wasn't entirely his fault. The offensive line failed to pick up a free blitzer who nailed Trubisky from behind to force the ball out. Yet it was Trubisky's ability to play under control that likely got Fox on his side. Throwing the ball away six times instead of forcing it into coverage. Showcasing that willingness to play within the game plan. It's a rare thing to see a rookie do that. Then again everyone, including Fox now, concede that this kid is no ordinary rookie.Comments
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