The starting QB situation of the Chicago Bears is a mystery going into their Week 12 matchup against their rivals, the Green Bay Packers.
For now, Nick Foles remains on the #Bears’ media schedule for this week. It’s been changed before and I’m guessing they’d like to keep a QB change quiet for a bit.
But the word out of Halas Hall is that Mitch Trubisky has been throwing and his right shoulder is improving.
— Adam Jahns (@adamjahns) November 23, 2020
So far this year, the Bears have had a battle between two of their QBs: Mitchell Trubisky and Nick Foles.
This past offseason, Foles was traded to the Bears for a fourth-round 2020 Draft pick.
For the Bears, this was an effort to generate some competition at the position.
The Bears’ Quarterback Battle
Trubisky, the 26-year-old QB, has been the starter for the past three seasons, having up-and-down years.
Having been the second overall pick in 2017, he has fallen below expectations for Bears fans.
A solid 2018 campaign showed promise for Trubisky, completing 66.6% of his passes for 7.4 yards per attempt, with 24 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
He also led the Bears to an 11-3 record in his starts that year.
However, a step back in 2019 caused unrest among fans.
This is where Foles came into the equation.
After signing a four-year, $88 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019, Foles was benched.
To cut salary, the Jaguars traded Foles to the Bears where he reworked his contract to three years, $21 million.
Mitch Trubisky shared his thoughts on the Bears' trade for Nick Foles. pic.twitter.com/4iHoNYD8t8
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) June 12, 2020
This season, Trubisky started the first three games under center.
However, coach Matt Nagy pulled Trubisky during the third game and opted for Foles instead.
Since then, the team hasn’t looked back.
Foles stepped into the starting role for the past seven games, not exceling at all.
The team has a 2-5 record during this time, with Foles having 10 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
With Week 12 approaching, the team has hinted at a potential change back to Trubisky.
Should the Bears Start Trubisky?
Yes, the Bears should absolutely consider starting Trubisky.
While the young QB has had troubles throughout his career, the organization must have faith in the draft pick.
Also, while he wasn’t playing amazingly in his three games this season, he was doing well enough.
A problem here is that he has struggled with shoulder issues that sparked up in early November, a reoccurring injury throughout his career.
However, assuming that he is healthy, the team may as well go with Trubisky.
His performance this year has been on par with or better than Foles, and he may certainly have a higher upside.
Former Chicago Bears TE Zach Miller said on @TTNLNetwork that he believes the Bears should go back to QB Mitch Trubisky.
Miller: "We are struggling upfront and Mitch gives us the opportunity to move around. He can extend plays and really use his athletic abilities to escape."
— Daniel Greenberg (@ChiSportUpdates) November 20, 2020
Should They Start Foles?
While going with Foles wouldn’t be the best idea, it is reasonable to assume that the Bears may stick with him.
He is a safer option, and you know what you will get from him.
It won’t be anything stellar on the field, but he can give the team a couple of touchdowns with an interception.
He can, however, have a performance like he did in Week 9 where he threw for 335 yards, with two touchdowns and zero interceptions.
Foles is also a former Super Bowl MVP, so that experience and success is on his side too.
An abysmal Week 10 does not help Foles’ chances though.
Foles has also been dealing with a hip injury.
Bears’ HC Matt Nagy said Nick Foles’ hip and glute injury “isn't as bad as we once thought. Bears are on a bye and Foles will be day to day.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 17, 2020
If Trubisky is healthy this week, anticipate him seeing action on the field.
It may not be as a starter though, as Foles may be put out there with a very short leash; just as Trubisky was in Week 3.
If Foles starts the game and plays poorly, Trubisky would likely be lining up under center during the next drive.
For the Bears, they are looking to get back into the win column any way they can.
After starting out 5-1, the team has dropped four straight games.
With this matchup against the first-place Packers approaching, they will not mess around when it comes to their QB situation.
NEXT: Former NFL Player Criticizes Foles' Reaction To Injury