CHICAGO – The Chicago Bears ’past clashed Saturday with the future. And the past – at least for a day – won by defeat.
The second week of the previous calendar at home to Chicago marked the expected return of Mitchell Trubisky, whom the Bears marked as second in 2017.
The impending quarterback battle between Bears rookie quarterback Justin Fields and Trubisky – albeit in pre-season form – energized the city of Chicago and sports talk radio throughout the week.
The people at Soldier Field greeted Trubisky, who started instead of pro Bowler Josh Allen, with a mixture of joy and slight boos before Trubisky went straight to work on the road to a memorable return home.
More than two quarters in a 41-15 victory, Trubisky led Buffalo to 34 points in seven offensive series. The fifth-year veteran moved the ball effortlessly against a Bears defense that held up little.
“I feel like every week, I’m understanding the offense a little better … It was different to come back here in Chicago. It was amazing to see all the guys and coaches before the game, catching up with those guys., and then, how supportive all the Bills locker rooms were for me, ”Trubisky said. “I’m very grateful to be part of this team.”
Trubisky finished 20th from 28 for 220 yards and a touchdown to get a score of 106.2.
“I was excited. I stopped being anxious like three or four days ago and I felt very comfortable with the game plan, what we were doing out there,” Trubisky said. “My teammates had their backs all week … I was definitely more excited than anything here. I just felt very comfortable.”
Fields started the third quarter after an unforgettable demonstration by the Bears offense (Andy Dalton quarterback) in the first 30 minutes of play.
The fields put together an average performance, but no less than Trubisky’s afternoon level. The fields completed 9 of 19 passes over 80 yards and rushed 46 yards on four yards.
The Bears debutant survived a fright when Buffalo defender Andre Smith came out free from the edge and dealt a devastating blow to Fields, whose helmet flew into the play. Officers scored on Smith to attack the pin and the Bears scored on a 13-yard run by Khalil Herbert on the next play.
But in the end, the game belonged to the road team and the former Bears quarterback.
“I felt good doing it against these guys, but I’m also rooting for a lot of these guys on the other side,” Trubisky said. “And they’re still like family.”