Lions vs. Bears Week 10 Scouting Report: Mitchell Trubisky struggling
When the Bears have the Ball
Trubisky’s struggles have been the biggest development (or lack thereof) for Chicago in 2019, and the main reason for the team’s shocking regression from last year’s NFC North winning campaign. Not the kind of progress you’d want from a former second overall pick, particularly after he was selected ahead of Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson in the 2017 draft.
His quarterback rating, yards per attempt, passing yards per game and touchdown throws all rank in the bottom five among quarterbacks with at least five starts this season. The quick passing attack that fueled the Bears’ offense last year hasn’t materialized this season, and Trubisky is well on pace to exceed last year’s total of 24 sacks taken. It hasn’t been pretty at all and has cast some serious doubt about his future as the starting signal-caller in the Windy City.
Trubisky does have some useful weapons on the outside, including leading receiver Allen Robinson. The Michigan native figures to be matched up with Lions corner Darius Slay for most of the day. Slay was barely heard from in last week’s loss in Oakland, though that is hardly a negative. He essentially shut down his side of the field and will look to hamper the Bears’ offense even further with a similar performance.
light. Must Read. Detroit Lions at the halfway mark: Positional report cards
The Lions’ defense has been a mess overall, particularly against the run. This is one area where the Bears would figure to have a distinct advantage, and their versatile running backs, led by rookie David Montgomery will look to become the eighth out of nine opponents this season to gain over 100 yards on the ground against Detroit. If the Lions can somehow prevent that from happening, Chicago’s offense could struggle to keep up.
Not unlike the Lions, the Bears would love to get more production out of their tight end group, particularly Trey Burton. After signing a 4-year, $32 million deal in 2018, Burton has struggled to live up to that contract in 2019, averaging just 12 receiving yards per game. The Lions have defended tight ends well in general in 2019, but if safety Tracy Walker‘s knee injury keeps him on the sidelines for a second straight week, it could open up Chicago’s offensive options, and Burton could be a beneficiary.