It’s easy to look at Cordarelle Patterson’s answer to a simple question — whether quarterback Mitch Trubisky looks different than he did last year — and dream about the Bears.
“He actually looks like a whole new player this year, man,” Patterson, the returner/receiver/running back, said after Tuesday’s training camp practice. “I just see it in his eyes. Each and every day, he’s got that fire on him. That’s what we need out of our quarterbacks. That competition, it brings the best out of everybody. So I’m excited.”
It’s far more accurate, though, to listen to coach Matt Nagy. And he said something far different when asked if Trubisky was better this year.
“So far, I think so,” Nagy said. “We don’t have enough right now. I wish I could tell you … we had enough. But there’s just not enough with where we’re at. We need to see more. I can’t give you a fair statement or opinion with that.”
Nagy knows better.
He knows that Trubisky has always been a good practice player, even last season, when he played so poorly on Sundays that the Bears felt obligated to trade for Nick Foles in the offseason.
He knows that attitude, edge and a glint in his quarterback’s eye aren’t indicators of success — but film is.
And right now, the Bears have two whole days of real practice film to examine.
“I’m excited to see some more team periods,” Nagy said. “Maybe a little more red zone, some two-minute, four-minute, situational football to truly say that. I’d ask for a little bit more time on that with him. But again, the mental side of it, decision making, where he’s going — so far, so good.”
Trubisky has looked slightly better than Foles in training camp, He had a running start, though —he threw with teammates in his downtime while Foles and his wife awaited a new baby in Southern California.
“I think I’m just a bringing a little more edge to the offense, a little more sense of urgency,” Trubisky said.
His attitude built up during the offseason. He saw the Bears decline his fifth-year option and trade for Foles. He had surgery to repair his left shoulder and went through training to fix his footwork.
“I think it’s a combination of everything, just realizing this is the last year of my contract,” Trubisky said. “Being hurt last year and not playing up to my own expectations. I think going 8-8, having a quarterback competition, and just the desire to want to go out to continue to chase greatness. It’s a combination of all those things. …
“I’m trying to bring that edge. You’re just playing each play like it’s your last. So I think having that sense of urgency and trying to maximize your potential day in and day out, I think that’s where that edge is coming from.”
In praising Trubisky, Patterson knocked the way he carried himself last year.
“I feel he’s been more of a leader,” he said. “Last year I didn’t feel like he was that guy, but this year he’s taking over. He wants everybody to know that he’s that guy and we can come to him when we need something.”
Trubisky’s response was mature — he said he needs to make sure he’s developing relationships with all of his teammates.
“I think me and Cordarrelle are a lot closer this year than we were last year,” he said. “And then as far as leadership, for me, I have to make sure I’m reaching every single guy in this offense.”
If Trubisky is a whole new player, though, he’ll reach his teammates with a pass.
Until then, Bears fans would be wise to listen to Nagy; Trubisky hasn’t had the time — or the snaps — to show whether he’s truly changed.
