Posted on August 27, 2017, by Travis Pulver
The Chicago Bears found themselves in a position Sunday they have not been in for years—having to decide between two decent options at quarterback. Mike Glennon was brought in to be the man of the immediate future. But then the Bear went and drafted Mitchell Trubisky with the No. 2 pick in the draft.
The immediate plan was to start Glennon and groom Trubisky, but then the craziest thing happened. Glennon stunk during early preseason play, and Trubisky looked like a stud. Outwardly, the team acted as if Glennon was going to be the man, but how could they deny the No. 2 pick–especially since he’s played well!?
Via @bears_fanly
As it turns out, the fans just needed to be a little patient with Glennon. In the all-important third preseason game, he proved that he could be the man the Bears need behind center. But Trubisky looked pretty good too.
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So, what’s a coach to do?
Bears head coach John Fox does not want to push Trubisky into service if he doesn’t have to. So, since Glennon appears to be a viable option, he’ll go with him.
While there was plenty of good that came from Sunday’s game for the Bears, it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Tennessee didn’t look great, but it wasn’t all doom and gloom for them either. Of course, the dreaded ‘it’s preseason’ disclaimer hangs over any observation, but anyway…
- Mike Glennon finally looked like the competent, talented leader the Bears hoped he would be when they signed him. Opening the game with a 15-play, 96-yard drive that lasted close to eight minutes probably locked up the job for him (if Fox was wavering). He ended the day with 11 completions in 18 attempts for 134 yards and a touchdown.
“We’re very happy with the way Mike responded, as far as a real game plan and what he did,” Bears coach John Fox said (USAToday). “I thought he played very well.”
- One of his best passes was the 28-yard completion he threw to Cameron Meredith. But it looks like he’ll have to wait until next season to throw another pass to Meredith. The third-year receiver was hoping to build on the breakout season he had last year. But after tearing his ACL, he’ll have to wait until next season for his encore.
- Glennon may not be around if he falters or gets injured and Trubisky shines when he steps in. The Bears do have an out after this season in his contract. If Trubisky can continue to grow, there would be no need to bring Glennon back. He continued his preseason of stellar play with a 10-15 for 128 yards and a touchdown against the Titans.
- The 45-yard touchdown he threw to Tanner Gentry—beautiful.
Via @bears_fanly
- It’s been easy to talk about how the Bears have to play Tarik Cohen, but then the Bears showed they would not. Jordan Howard looked stellar and will probably not lose any carries to Cohen (who had one carry for five yards). Jeremy Langford (five carries for 18 yards) might.
- Tennessee has received a ton of press for the potential they have this season but don’t bet the farm on them just yet. During the first half, the offense, defense, and special teams struggled. So, head coach Mike Mularkey kept them in during the second half—and it finally paid off with a touchdown in the fourth quarter.
- Marcus Mariota had been looking like a guy ready to turn the corner in this third season. But against the Bears, he looked more like a rookie that needed to sit and watch a little longer. He overthrew quite a few guys (at least six).
- On third and 31, the Titans were likely looking just to gain some ground but instead saw rookie wide receiver Taywan Taylor break a few tackles and gain 48 yards. He also had 12 yards rushing on three carries. He could be worth stashing on your bench in fantasy leagues to start the season.
The Bears will wrap up their preseason with a visit from the Cleveland Browns next Thursday (kickoff at 8 PM ET). The Titans will have a more challenging matchup when they travel to Kansas City to take on the Chiefs (Thursday at 8:30 PM ET).