The Chicago Bears’ quarterback battle has already taken a hit with an entirely virtual offseason, which has stopped the competition from beginning until the team hits the field at training camp.
That meant that preseason games, which Bears coach Matt Nagy said would be key in determining the starter, would be even more valuable. But now, it sounds like there’s a possibility that the preseason could be shortened.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the NFL and NFLPA are discussing the possibility of cutting the preseason in half, where teams would wind up playing two preseason games rather than four.
Typically, that would be something that would be welcomed with open arms. And while that’s surely the case with players, it doesn’t help Nagy when it comes to his most important preseason decision, which is determining the starting quarterback between Mitchell Trubisky and Nick Foles.
If the NFL winds up axing two of those preseason games, how will the Bears go about evaluating Trubisky and Foles?
First of it all, it would mean a lot less Tyler Bray, who typically gets the bulk of preseason snaps. Trubisky and Foles figure to get significant playing time in those two games, as there’s no substitute for in-game experience.
You’d assume Trubisky and Foles would each get a start, where they’d be facing the first-string defense, while the other would relieve the starter and face the second and third stringers. It’s fair to assume that both quarterbacks will each get a half to play.
But a shortened offseason could also affect Chicago’s offense as a whole. If Trubisky and Foles see extended playing time in those preseason games, expect to see more of Chicago’s starters on offense.
