Regardless of how the season plays out, do not expect the Chicago Bears to draft a quarterback in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
The Chicago Bears put forth a lackluster showing on prime-time, Monday night against the Los Angeles Rams. Passionate fans will say the sky is not falling, contrary to some popular belief. Unfortunately, the Bears look so bad on offense that some of the top programs in college football might be sending out better offenses on game-days. But the team, despite their shaky play all season long, is still 5-2, sitting firmly as a playoff contender… for now.
Despite what the Bears’ record reads, watching Nick Foles and Mitch Trubisky throw meaningful passes for the Bears this season is often frustrating, yet blaming the team’s offensive struggles merely on quarterback play is ill-advised. The offensive line can’t hold up for more than a few seconds without Foles sluggishly moving and ducking for cover. Running lanes are hard to come by, often creating long third-down conversions.
Most glaring than all of those issues above might just be Matt Nagy’s play-calling. Whether it’s lack of creativity or just overthinking, Nagy isn’t making life any easier for Foles, despite their past familiarity working with one another in Kansas City. Nagy was hired because he was supposed to be an offensive guru, yet right now he’s making former Bears’ head coach John Fox look good.
Regardless of what happens the rest of the season, even if the Bears go on to win the Super Bowl, the organization still must face the harsh reality that they don’t have a true franchise quarterback. Foles isn’t the long-term answer, despite being a former Super Bowl MVP. His injury concerns aren’t magically going to disappear. Neither is his hot and cold play on the field.
Trubisky isn’t going to be with the organization next season, unless he miraculously figures out how to play quarterback efficiently, something he’s currently being paid to do despite riding the bench.
All of this is why the Bears should look to draft another potential franchise quarterback in the first-round of next year’s draft. Unfortunately, given the Bears’ hot start to the season, odds are that barring a total collapse, both General Manager, Ryan Pace and Nagy will likely be back for one more season, thus potentially foiling that much-needed plan.
Pace and Nagy, if they weren’t in a “prove it” season already, will no doubt be in one the following year. That’s why both guys, if they’re still with the Bears, will prioritize the team’s immediate short-term future, over the long-term. Which means not wasting a first-round selection on a promising young quarterback who will likely need time to develop into a good starter.
Rather, it means going for it all. Trying to patch up other glaring issues the team has. The more likely scenario playing out is Pace sticking with Foles, or getting another veteran quarterback to lead the offense in 2021 if Foles flops or gets hurt.
Brace yourselves, Bears fans. It appears you’re beloved team will remain in quarterback purgatory… with no light at the end of the tunnel in sight.
