BOURBONNAIS, Ill. (670 The Score) -- Behind the potential of Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky is a workmanlike demeanor to his third training camp at Olivet Nazarene.
The prevailing theme of Trubisky's rookie season was simply getting acclimated to this next level. Last year was focused on getting comfortable working under the watch of coach Matt Nagy. As the 24-year-old Trubisky arrived at training camp last week, what's an example of something he's working on?
"It could be as simple as cleaning up in the locker room," Trubisky said last Thursday. "Just like simple things like that. Keeping your room neat, cleaning up in the locker room, making sure you're properly warmed up for practice, getting in recovery, eating right. Little things like that."
There's a custodial staff on the campus of Olivet Nazarene that can handle the housekeeping duties, but Trubisky won't allow himself to be above that -- even as the starting quarterback leading a Bears team that carries Super Bowl expectations into the new season.
Trubisky gained this kind of perspective reading a book called "Legacy," which documents the unparalleled success of New Zealand's All Blacks rugby team. There are lessons from the reading being shared between Trubisky, Nagy and general manager Ryan Pace, three men sharing in this journey together.
How does Trubisky apply this to his work in training camp? It's all about the little details.
Once the Bears finish morning practices at training camp, the team works through the remainder of its schedule on campus taking everything from the practice field and learning from it. Trubisky goes further than that.
He's reassessing minor details that lead to the outcome of each play -- where his eyes go, how his feet move, why he threw a certain way.
"There's an expectation that I've got to do my job and either I did my job or I didn't on every single play," Trubisky said. "That's all I can control, really. Am I doing my job? Am I putting the ball where it needs to be? Am I getting everybody on the same page so that we can be successful as an offense? It's kind of black and white in that facet, so I'm just trying to do my job and making sure I'm getting better each play."
Trubisky completed 66.6 percent of his passes for 3,223 yards, 24 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 14 regular-season games in 2018. His growth was key in the Bears ascending from worst to first in the NFC North and reaching the postseason. The intense drive behind Trubisky was clear, as he admittedly was his own harshest critic. Days after every game, Trubisky could speak with precise recall of why he made the wrong read or how he sailed a pass too far. Those often stood out more than the touchdowns and winning moments.
Hopes are at their highest in years for the defending division champion Bears, who many believe to be a championship contender. Trubisky's play in his third season could ultimately define whether Chicago can win a big playoff game instead of losing in the wild-card round.
Inside the confines of camp, the Bears certainly realize why they are being heralded with this preseason hype. Part of what gives them comfort that it could all be true is seeing the way Trubisky is working to make this all a reality.
Every detail matters to Trubisky, whether it's ensuring a clean room or crisp throw.
"Little things like that," Trubisky said, "I think they go a really long way."
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
