No one on the Chicago Bears knows Mitch Trubisky better than Matt Nagy.
The relationship between head coach and quarterback is integral for any NFL team, especially in the Bears’ situation. After all, Nagy was brought in to mold Trubisky into the quarterback that the Bears believe he can ultimately become.
Now heading into their second season together, Nagy knows what he wants to see from his quarterback at this point in practice, especially as Trubisky is unlikely to play in the final two preseason games.
“Just the anticipation now,” Nagy said Tuesday, via the Sun-Times. “That’s probably the biggest key word for him as we go is trying to predict when the ball’s coming out.”
That anticipation is key, especially as Trubisky heads into his second season in this offense. While last season he was learning the scheme, this season has been mastering the intricacies of this offense that will allow Trubisky to operate it to its fullest potential.
Nagy stands behind Trubisky, between the hash marks, in practice — No Man’s Land to everyone else — so that he can see what his quarterback sees.
“I want his vision within the plays now really going exactly where my eyes are going,” Nagy said. “When I’m standing back there behind him, when I’m looking to the right, he’s looking to the right. If I’m looking to the left, he’s looking to the left.”
Trubisky has received his share of criticism this offseason when it comes to struggles during training camp. But that’s what practice is for. To make mistakes, test what you can do and learn from it.
At this point, when Trubisky makes a throw, it has to be for the right reasons.
“His answers to me when he throws the ball somewhere, ‘Why did you do that?’” Nagy said. “And if his answer’s good. Those are the things I’m looking for. And I think we’re right there, but we won’t know that until we get into the season.”
When it’s all said and done, the Bears’ success in 2019 and beyond hinges on Nagy and Trubisky being on the same page.
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