<
>

Do-over, please? Bears QB Mitchell Trubisky no match for Patrick Mahomes-led Chiefs

CHICAGO -- As Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky cruelly reminded the world on Wednesday, there are no do-overs for Chicago's inexplicable decision to draft Trubisky ahead of Patrick Mahomes (or Deshaun Watson, for that matter) back in 2017.

What Sunday night presented Trubisky was an opportunity to slightly change the narrative with a respectable showing against Mahomes and the playoff-bound Chiefs in front of a national audience.

Unfortunately, Trubisky failed to seize the moment.

Chicago's 26-3 loss to Kansas City magnified many of the 25-year-old quarterback's shortcomings. Trubisky's most costly mistake came when he overshot a wide-open Allen Robinson II for what should've been an easy 46-yard touchdown completion. Trubisky's lack of downfield accuracy is a well-documented problem, but that's a throw every NFL starting quarterback should make, especially a guy drafted second overall. Trubisky finished with a paltry 157 passing yards.

Trubisky wasn't the only culprit. Chicago's entire offense did nothing to help.

For Chicago to win Sunday, it would have required the offense and quarterback to have breakthrough performances. Neither, of course, happened.

QB breakdown: Sigh.

Describe the game in two words: Sorry, America. At 7-7 and out of the playoff hunt, the Bears had no business playing on Sunday night in Week 16. The lack of energy inside Soldier Field was reminiscent of the John Fox era. The whole scene was quite embarrassing, actually. Now, the Bears -- under coach Matt Nagy -- are much better than those Fox or Marc Trestman teams, but the game did highlight how Chicago faltered by drafting Trubisky over Mahomes.

Pivotal play: Bears reserve outside linebacker Aaron Lynch was called for his seventh neutral zone infraction this season on a key third down that extended Kansas City’s opening scoring drive. To beat the Chiefs, the Bears had to play focused and disciplined football. They did not. Lynch's penalty was far from the only inexcusable gaffe. In the first half alone, the Bears were flagged for roughing the passer, running into the kicker and two separate illegal shifts.

Biggest hole in the game plan: Believe it or not, the Bears were in the midst of a productive opening drive -- primarily because of Trubisky's legs -- until a gimmick fumbled handoff to wide receiver Anthony Miller resulted in a 10-yard loss. Why? There is just no rhyme or reason to this offense. On the rare occasions when the Bears are moving the football, they almost inevitably end up self-sabotaging with penalties, questionable playcalling or poor execution.