CHICAGO (670 The Score) -- Halfway through what has thus far been a disappointing season, the Bears are still hoping quarterback Mitchell Trubisky can elevate their play.
That includes Bears general manager Ryan Pace, who expected better from the 25-year-old Trubisky, the second overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.
"We all know that Mitch can play better," Pace said of Trubisky's struggles during an interview on the Bears pregame show on WBBM Newsradio 780. "Mitch knows that. He's just in the process of navigating through this along with the rest of the offense. He has confidence in himself. His teammates have confidence in him. And we've just got to fight through this."
In his third season, Trubisky has completed 63 percent of his passes for 1,217 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions over seven starts. The Bears (3-5) have struggled offensively, averaging only 4.5 yards per play, 266.8 yards per game and 17.6 points per game.
After Trubisky helped guide the Bears to a 12-4 record and the NFC North title in 2018, expectations were that he could make a jump in his third season and second year working with Bears coach Matt Nagy.
Instead, Trubisky has taken a step back and the Bears are wondering whether he can handle the criticism that comes with his position.
"This is all part of playing quarterback in the NFL," Pace said. "Every quarterback goes through this, and it's just part of the experience. We're fortunate that we have a head coach that understands him more than anyone. (Nagy) played the position himself. There's growth that happens on the field. There's growth that happens off the field. Other young quarterbacks around the league are going through it, the same thing, and honestly we're proud of the way that Mitch is handling it."
The Bears (3-5) host the Lions (3-4-1) at noon CT Sunday from Soldier Field.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
