Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky had a good game against the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving. One that many hope will be a building block. The Bears have gotten themselves back to .500 at 6-6 and are still alive for the playoffs, barely. All Chicago can control is their play though and that, as well as the play-calling, has been improving recently.
The issue with all of that is that Trubisky has had some of his best games against the Lions. The Bears beat them three weeks ago and swept them last season. Still, a shot at the playoffs is cannot be overlooked. Even if the schedule features a tough run of teams to end the season. So we pause on retooling the team ahead of the off-season.
Trubisky has Another Good Game Against Detroit
Standing in the Way
Chicago has to win out in addition to needing help. They host the reeling Dallas Cowboys next Thursday in what could very well be Jason Garrett’s last game as the Cowboys head coach. Then it’s road games against division rivals in the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers sandwiched around hosting the Kansas City Chiefs and 2018 MVP Patrick Mahomes on Sunday Night Football.
All of those teams are tougher opponents than a Detroit team that jumped out to a 10-point lead before allowing Chicago rally on the strength of their embattled quarterback. The Bears defense allowed David Blough to look like Matthew Stafford early in the game putting pressure on the offense. That pressure will only increase against better competition.
Penalties, like Leonard Floyd’s late hit, are things that an offense (that may be finding its way) doesn’t need. Charles Leno and Rashaad Coward had transgressions of their own but the offense kept themselves going. Trubisky also threw an interception that would have been more costly if he wasn’t giving the ball back to a third-string quarterback.
The Silver-Tongued Lining
Bears head coach Matt Nagy has spoken of silver linings in this challenging season and there are a few things of note. Trubisky, as Nagy noted in his day-after presser, has strung together four-straight solid games. He has completed 64 percent of his passes for 979 yards with eight touchdowns to four interceptions.over that stretch.
But the Bears opponents in three of their last four games, the Lions (twice) and the New York Giants, entered Week 13 ranked in the bottom-fifth in passing yards per game allowed. Trubisky struggled in the loss to the Los Angeles Rams. He completed 55 percent of his passes for 190 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
Things were bleak after that and before the first win over the Lions. Losses to the Philadelphia Eagles (a potential playoff team) and New Orleans Saints (who won their division in the late game on Thursday) exposed a lot. Throw in the loss to the Los Angeles Chargers because of missed kicks (sound familiar?) and it’s too soon to be relieved.
Coach Nagy is addressing the media at Halas Hall. https://t.co/i6i4BgIu9t
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) November 29, 2019
The Real Hope
There are other encouraging signs that will enhance any improvements being made under center. Chief among them has to be the reemergence of Anthony Miller. He has 21 catches for 271 yards over the Bears last three games. The team gave him more opportunities and he has been more focused.
The Bears are also hoping to get Akiem Hicks back in the next couple of weeks from his elbow injury. That would be a major boon. The defense has allowed over 115 rushing yards per game in his absence. He would also be a very welcome boost to the prospects of Khalil Mack. He has lacked a complimentary threat for opposing offensive lines to focus on.
Chicago also has to feel encouraged by seeing the Buffalo Bills win convincingly in Dallas with a strategy similar to what they hope to employ. And though the Vikings are a very tough team, and much improved since the last time the two teams squared off, the Bears have played very well against this iteration led by Kirk Cousins.
The Reality of Trubisky Having a Good Game in Detroit
Outsiders can go through why this team will or won’t make the playoffs. But the players (and Nagy) are taking the right approach. It has to be one game at a time with no concern for outside noise. The Bears already have a tough task ahead. Nagy’s job will only get tougher if he has to deal with a defeated locker room. Can the Bears keep hope alive another week?
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