Trubisky's legs 'weapon' for Chicago Bears offense
Even though left tackle Charles Leno said Mitch Trubisky's 8-yard touchdown run last week "felt like 1,000 yards" because of the circuitous route he took, the quarterback's ability and willingness to run helps the offense.
Of his six scrambles in the 38-31 loss to the New England Patriots, four came on third down and picked up the required yardage for the first down, including the touchdown.
The other two went for 11 and 39 yards. Trubisky's 81 rushing yards were twice as many as anyone on either side.
"What we always tell him, though, is you know be a thrower first, right?" Chicago Bears coach Matt Nagy said Wednesday. "(But) he did a great job scrambling and making plays on third down and big plays with his legs.
"There was one play where he got a first down on a scramble where if you pause it from the end zone view Taylor (Gabriel) was late in the progression. But he was sitting there in the middle of the field, and he could have thrown it to him for an easy first down. Instead, he scrambles (for the first down).
"That's a weapon right now for us - him using his legs - because there are coverages that defenses cannot run now because he's running the ball."
Trubisky's propensity to tuck it and run also can make the opposing pass rush more tentative, an advantage for the Bears' offensive linemen, according to right tackle Bobby Massie.
"It kind of makes it easier in a way from a tackle's standpoint because the defense has to respect his ability to run," Massie said. "So you get fewer blitzes and more 'contain' rushes. It's a good thing. It's another aspect to his game that shows how good Mitch can be."
But there can be some moments of indecision when linemen are uncertain whether to continue pass blocking or to lead Trubisky down the field as center Cody Whitehair did on the TD run, throwing a block in the end zone. If they take off downfield thinking run and Trubisky pulls up and throws, it can result in a penalty for being downfield illegally.
"Once he crosses the line of scrimmage is the biggest point for us because we've experienced a penalty or two when we're downfield blocking," Whitehair said. "It's kind of a judgment thing."
But isn't it difficult to watch your quarterback while you're engaged with a pass rusher intent on doing him harm?
"There comes a point when he's going to make a move and your guy's going to disengage," Whitehair said. "And you just hope (Trubisky) is not right behind you and the defender's able to make a sack."
According to Massie: "Whenever I see him go, that's when I go. Just keep guys off our QB."
There was some concern earlier in the season that Trubisky was bolting from the pocket too soon at the expense of keeping his eyes downfield for a potential target. But his decision-making in that regard was near flawless against New England.
"When I pulled the ball down to run, it was usually a good decision," he said. "It was big for us on third down. Picked up a few conversions, especially early on, and especially when they gloved (covered) everything and nothing was open downfield.
"So I was making plays with my legs and helping the offense move the ball."
Health report:
Bears outside linebacker Khalil Mack (ankle), offensive guard Eric Kush (neck) and wide receiver Allen Robinson (groin) did not practice Wednesday, while cornerback Marcus Cooper (groin) was limited.
Cornerback Bryce Callahan (ankle), defensive end Akiem Hicks (rib), inside linebacker Roquan Smith (wrist) and center Cody Whitehair (shoulder) were full participants.
For the New York Jets, this Sunday's Bears opponent, seven players did not practice, including six starters: cornerbacks Morris Claiborne (shoulder/foot) and Trumaine Johnson (quadriceps), wide receiver Robby Anderson (ankle), offensive tackle Kelvin Beachum (back), center Spencer Long (knee/finger) and inside linebacker Darron Lee (illness).
Wide receiver Quincy Enunwa also did not practice.
• Bob LeGere is a senior writer at Pro Football Weekly. Follow Bob's Bears reports on Twitter @BobLeGere or @PFWeekly.