Based on this article, which is pretty thorough and concise, considering what it reads is actually a likely scenario, I like these possibilities: (with drafting a QB)
Cam Newton - He can run an offense, bootleg and is a rushing threat
Alex Smith - He played really well before he went down with the injury. If he checks out medically, he could be good.
Jimmy Garoppolo - Hometown kid. Certainly has some talent and experience, could be a good pairing.
Mitch Trubisky - He played well those last 5-6 games. He might actually keep improving a bit.
I know this is a discussion and we don't have a say in it but I'd like to offer this :
[1] We have one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL with the biggest problem being the turnstiles at OT. Both Massie & Leno I believe are free agents and not worth resigning. Why not draft a couple of OT's in the first 2-3 rounds and save the money ? Hopefully Daniels comes back healthy next year and with Whitehair and Mustipher [ Barrs can back up ] the center & guard positions should be okay.
[2] Young QB's are helped greatly by a good TE. We've had the worst TE's in the last couple of years ; Graham & Kmet are a huge upgrade although it took Nagy some time to incorporate Kmet into the offense. Trubisky's late season resurgence was mainly due to improved blocking from the interior line and a lot of play action rollouts with Kmet or Graham as targets. I would be remiss if I didn't note Mooney's continued improvement. It appears that our TE position [ please no injuries ] can actually be a strength going forward.
[3] Trubisky claimed the reason for improvement was the change in offensive philosophy / play calling. I would agree; Trubisky did not suddenly improve/ change. He is what he is. He is a competent QB that could flourish in the right system. He tends to play well late in games and wins more games than he loses. He is not a top 10 QB but he is in the top 20. One of his assets is his mobility and the chance to make a play with his feet. Foles does not have that ability.
[4] As far as options for QB : there really aren't many that seem to fit:
Garoppolo - injury prone and how long would he last behind our O-Line ? Also not very mobile.
Alex Smith - Great story, great leadership, but see above with Garoppolo. Do we want to see him die on the field ?
Cam Newton - Interesting, but the offense has to be designed to fit his skills [ running ability ] , if he gets injured the team would be screwed unless backup QB was similar in talent/style. Foles is about 100% opposite of Newton so Foles and his $8 salary has to go if we get Newton. Also at Newton's age there is valid concern whether his career may be over due to injuries.
[5] I would prefer to see T. Taylor picked up at the right price and let him and Foles compete. Both are competent but tend to be injury prone. Taylor has more mobility but Foles is higher in accuracy.
[6] Unless something unforeseen happens the Bears are not going to draft a franchise QB at #20 in the draft. Unless we upgrade the O-Line a rookie QB will be chewed up and wrecked if he is thrown to the wolves.
[7] I agree with most of the article except I don't think Cam Newton is the answer and I don't understand why he quickly dismissed Marcus Marriota who I think might be the best choice ! Marriota has the skills but got chewed up by injuries playing for the Titans [ thanks Jeff Fisher ] and lost his confidence and signed with the Raiders. He sat most of the year [ not active most of their games, still recovering from injuries ] and finally got a chance to play late in the year against the Dolphins and looked really good when given a chance. He's Trubisky level : not top 10 but definitely in the top 20. In the right system he could flourish.
[8] No matter which way we go, without high level coaching the decision could turn into a disaster no matter who we go with as QB. With Nagy as coach I'm afraid that will happen.
