Six Throws vs. Dolphins That Prove the Light Is On for Mitch Trubisky

Mitch Trubisky had his second-straight quality start of the 2018 season. This time it was on the road against a solid Miami Dolphins defense. He ended the game 22-of-31 for 316 yards and three touchdowns and an interception. It wasn't quite a perfect performance, but it was the latest sign that the former #2 overall pick is headed in the right direction. In fact, if one were to dig into the tape and examine some of the throws he made in the game, they'd recognize how much progress he's actually made. Not just with his general mode of operation in a tough environment, but with his execution of plays and clearer understanding of how to operate the offense at a high level. There were six plays that stood out with this. Six throws that while all of them may not have been highlight reel material, all demonstrated how far he's come.

Throw #1 - Scramble drill and dump off to Cohen (1st quarter)

[video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="https://www.sportsmockery.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Throw-1.mp4"][/video] This play may not seem like much but it demonstrates a maturity that Trubisky didn't have last year. As the pressure sets in, he bails out to his left. Last year he likely would've taken a sack there. Instead, knowing where Tarik Cohen is on the play, he gets the ball out right before the defender gets to him. Cohen then creates five yards out of it when it easily could've been a loss of 10. That sort of thing drives defenses crazy.

Throw #2 - Out pass for first down to Gabriel (2nd quarter)

[video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="https://www.sportsmockery.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Throw-2.mp4"][/video] The Dolphins run a delayed stunt on this play, getting a pass rush around the left edge before Charles Leno can pick him up. Trubisky doesn't panic, keeping his eyes down the field. At the last second, he unloads the ball to an open Taylor Gabriel along the sideline for a first down. That comfort level in the pocket and ability to throw in the face of pressure wasn't always there last season. Another sign of his maturation.

Throw #3 - Deep strike to Gabriel (2nd quarter)

[video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="https://www.sportsmockery.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Throw-3.mp4"][/video] For the longest time people accused Trubisky of two things: being unable to throw left and unable to throw deep. Both of those issues weren't because he lacked accuracy. It was because he too often exhibited poor mechanics. That was not a problem on this absolute dime. Trubisky's feet and release are flawless. The ball goes on a perfect arc right over the head of the cornerback with just enough room for Gabriel to make a spectacular catch.

Throw #4 - Dump off to Cohen (2nd quarter)

[video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="https://www.sportsmockery.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Throw-4.mp4"][/video] This is one of those plays that go overlooked because it's not flash. It is important though from the perspective of playing the position the right way. Trubisky gets the snap and examines his first options down the field. He quickly surmises both are covered and makes the swift decision to dump it off to Cohen who gets seven to set up a manageable 3rd and 3. It was a smart, but more importantly responsible decision.

Throw #5 - Slant to Cohen (3rd quarter)

[video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="https://www.sportsmockery.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Throw-5.mp4"][/video] Another play where Trubisky gets pressure in his face. This time the Dolphins bring an extra man on a blitz. Kyle Long does a good job of picking it up. Trubisky identifies where the blitzer is coming from and alertly fires the ball in that direction to an open Cohen who then proceeds to do what he does best. This was something Trubisky struggled with earlier this year but has since begun to figure as this play proves.

Throw #6 - Back shoulder fade to Robinson (4th quarter)

[video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="https://www.sportsmockery.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Throw-6.mp4"][/video] This will be remembered mostly for the outstanding catch made by Allen Robinson, and rightfully so. However, one should not overlook how good of a pass it was too. On the surface, it looks like Trubisky placed the ball a little too far outside and Robinson had to make a big adjustment to even have a shot at it. Go back and look at it though. The placement was actually great because any further inside and Dolphins corner Cordrea Tankersley likely knocks it away or even intercepts it. The ball was where only Robinson had a shot at it. That's how the good quarterbacks do it.