Ryan Pace kickstarted the scouting combine week for the Chicago Bears in his press conference. Sure enough, he answered questions regarding the status of quarterback Mitch Trubisky. While the GM remains committed to the 25-year old as the starter for 2020, he hinted that competition is on the way in some form. So did head coach Matt Nagy follow the same path when he got his turn in front of the media?
Well, yes and no.
He didn’t dispute the fact that Trubisky is expected to remain the starter. His focus instead for this offseason was working hard to do something the Bears failed to last year. That’s finding their offensive identity.
Nagy reiterated fixing the ground game as a big part of that process. However, his words on Trubisky weren’t exactly glowing. He was rather frank in regards to what the quarterback must do to get better. Not only that, but he also didn’t even flinch at the idea of bringing somebody in to push the quarterback for his job.
This is a continuation of things that have progressed since last season. Nagy will never disparage a player in public. He remains a supporter of Trubisky. That said, his job as the head coach is what’s best for the team. It has been evident on more than one occasion that he is frustrated with the QB’s lack of progress. He cited sloppy footwork as being a continued issue and an inability to see the field like he needs to. A big reason why the Bears missed so many big play opportunities last year.
Nagy has coached some really good quarterbacks. Typically by this point, they should be getting how to properly execute the offense. Trubisky hasn’t done that. With his job suddenly coming into question, the coach knows loyalty can only go so far in this business. In the end, he must do whatever it takes to win games.
