Expectations for the Chicago Bears are high headed into 2019. And it’s easy to see why.
After posting a 12-4 record and winning the NFC North, they boast arguably the best defense in the league, who return 10 starters and filled that 11th spot with Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, who could wind up being an upgrade over Adrian Amos.
The Bears’ offense is also entering its second season in Matt Nagy’s offense, with a better understanding and even more weapons to utilize. But there’s one glaring question on offense that will undoubtedly be answered this season.
Can third-year quarterback Mitch Trubisky take the Bears to the next level?
That’s the question Pro Football Talk has, as they’ve ranked Trubisky’s as one of their Top 30 storylines heading into the season at No. 7.
Ultimately, the question for 2019 will be whether Trubisky is good enough to elevate the entire offense, to complement (and boost) the defense, and to play the foundation for not just another home playoff game but maybe a bye week — and maybe a postseason victory. Opposing defenses will have had a full year’s worth of film to digest and dissect; Nagy’s ability to counter that and Trubisky’s ability to execute that plan becomes the key.
While Trubisky showed immense growth last season, his sophomore year was marred by inconsistency. Overthrows, poor decision making.
Certainly Trubisky’s relative inexperience overall played a factor, as did it being his first season in Nagy’s offense with new playmakers, aside from Tarik Cohen and Jordan Howard.
But with a season and two offseasons under his belt, the expectation is for Trubisky to show his mastery of this offense. More reacting, less thinking, which got him into trouble often last season.
The Bears bolster perhaps their best group of receivers in recent history, along with some upgrades at running back, and the weapons are there for him to use.
So can Trubisky take the Bears to the next level?
The answer should be, “Absolutely.” After all, there’s really no excuse why he shouldn’t.
