The Dallas Cowboys dynasty of the 90s started what’s now known as ‘triplets,’ or a trio of offensive skill players who can consistently dominate opponents. The Cowboys had Troy Aikman (QB), Emmitt Smith (RB) and Michael Irvin (WR), all of whom are now in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Not too shabby.
The Colts recently had triplets of their own with Peyton Manning, Edgerrin James and Marvin Harrison, and the Steelers’ trio of Ben Roethlisberger, Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown is probably the most recent example of a big three.
So, what about the Bears in 2019? Do they have triplets?
Fans would like to think they do with Mitch Trubisky, rookie running back David Montgomery and Allen Robinson, but according to NFL.com’s recent ranking of the league’s best trifectas, the Bears don’t rank near the top. They check in at No. 23.
Quarterback: Mitchell Trubisky— Rank: 20th (One game: 18th | 2019 prod.: 21st)
Running back: David Montgomery— Rank: 29th
Pass catcher: Allen Robinson— Rank: 20thThe Bears’ ranking here doesn’t adequately capture how balanced and talented this unit is as a whole. Although they don’t have superstars (yet) in any of these three areas, they do have a ton of young talent ready to take the next step in their development. If Trubisky builds on his 2018 Pro Bowl season, Robinson returns to his pre-injury production and Montgomery proves to be the three-down, Alvin Kamara-esque back that many smart people think he could be, I’ll (un)happilytake a shot of Malort as penance for ranking them 23rd.
Chicago’s trio ranks as the worst in the NFC North. The Lions check in at No. 19 while the Vikings are 16th. The Packers were among the best in the NFL, coming in fourth.
To be fair, the Bears’ offensive stars still have a lot to prove. Sure, Trubisky is an ascending talent, but he still needs to develop into a more consistent passer. Montgomery has yet to play a down in the NFL and Robinson’s first year as a Bear was somewhat incomplete because of his recovery from ACL surgery from the season before.
Call it a hunch, or maybe just wishful thinking, but I have a feeling this trio will rank much higher next year this time.
