Mitch Trubisky made a statement on Thursday Night Football. The kind of statement that Chicago Bears fans have been waiting almost three years for. It was primetime. It was an opponent leading their division in a must-win game for his team. The defense was already down three starters and would lose another (Roquan Smith) on the first drive of the game. Khalil Mack, Eddie Jackson, and others needed help. The 25-year old quarterback couldn't afford to take a back seat any longer.
He had to put the team on his back.
This he did. In one of the most surprising and special nights for a Bears quarterback in a long time, Trubisky sliced and diced the Dallas Cowboys for 244 passing yards, 63 rushing yards, and four total touchdowns. This coming straight on the heels of his excellent Thanksgiving performance in Detroit. Over the past two games, he has now accounted for seven touchdowns with just two interceptions. The guy is on fire.
Perhaps nobody was more thrilled by the display than Jackson. Of all the players on the Bears roster this season, the All-Pro safety has remained the most steadfast in his support of Trubisky. He's said as much to the media and constantly been encouraging the quarterback behind the scenes. That's why it was no surprise that Jackson sprinted onto the field to celebrate after Trubisky's 23-yard touchdown scramble that put the game away in the 4th quarter.
Eddie Jackson never lost faith in his quarterback
That sort of reaction by Jackson says it all. He saw the kind of work and dedication Trubisky showed behind the scenes. He knew the hits the quarterback was taking every week as he continued to struggle. Jackson urged fans to stay patient. The production would come. It was a matter of time. Just hang in there. Now those statements are being validated like never before. So of course the man is thrilled.
The Bears are now 7-6 with three games to play. Their next game will be a rematch with the Packers up in Green Bay. Arguably the biggest game of their season and the one that may define their push to make the playoffs. Jackson and the defense will need Trubisky again in that game, but they will also get a huge boost of their own in the form of Akiem Hicks. The star defensive end is expected to return off Injured Reserve from his elbow injury from back in October.
It should be a fun afternoon at Lambeau Field.
