Mitch Trubisky talks about his time in Buffalo. Interesting Read.

[Protocal69]

https://www.si.com/nfl/2022/08/01/steelers-transition-mitch-trubisky-deebo-samuel-dk-metcalf

 

 

At the same time, when he catches highlights of his time as a Bear—and those have been hard for him to avoid—he’ll concede that he does see a different guy. He sees someone laboring to carry out his assignments. He sees someone thinking too much. He sees a robotic quarterback.

 

That’s where his time in Buffalo was so valuable.

 

“I would say I process quicker now. I know where I want to go with the ball,” he said. “I’m able to just trust my abilities and play a lot more free, not just go where the coach wants me to go with the football. I think it was a lot along the lines of just having a trust and being on the same page as the offensive coordinator. I felt like being in Buffalo, the quarterback had a lot more free rein to go where he wanted with the reads and go where he wanted with the ball, as opposed to Chicago.

 

“Even if you got a completion [in Chicago], I felt like sometimes it wasn’t necessarily what the coach wanted. They put you in a box a little bit more than you wanted to be, and I think that restricts you as a player. It’s just different experiences. In the end, we still won games. It’s just different team to team.”

 

And it’s interesting that he used the “box” metaphor there because it’s one, I’m told, the Bills’ coaches used with him. To explain how they wanted him to play, they told the story of how Bill Parcells would coach quarterbacks. “Here’s your box,” Parcells would say, and inside the box was all the quarterback’s reads and rules and fundamentals. Then, he’d say, the great quarterbacks are the ones who can step out of that box and know when to step out of that box to make it work.

In bringing the point they made to life, Trubisky raised an example from Buffalo last year.

 

“It was a touchdown,” he said. “I think it was Cover 2, and the safety was sunken inside. And he kind of just held him, and then went deep outside. It was a good two-on-one, and some coaches are like, When you get a two-high look let’s check the ball down, or get to a run. But in Buffalo, they like to be aggressive, and it’s like, Yo, if we can control that safety like Josh [Allen] does so well, and go down the field with it, why not exploit them and get a touchdown? And he got Emmanuel [Sanders] one on that.”

Trubisky couldn’t remember which game the play was from. So I looked it up for him and circled back with a 35-yard touchdown throw to Sanders from the team’s October win in Kansas City. He said that wasn’t it, then sent me the one he was referencing—a 34-yard bullet in the Bills’ playoff rout of the Patriots.

The mix-up only drove his point home. He called the plays “almost identical,” showing that these instances weren’t rare with Allen, and in seeing Allen make the offense his own, after his previous experiences, Trubisky felt like a kid at Disney World.

 

“Absolutely,” he said. “It was awesome. It was definitely eye-opening to me. It made me say, Why can’t I add that to my game? And that’s what I’m trying to do.”

Even better, the guys in Buffalo will vouch for that. In fact, Trubisky actually went to Brandon Beane after he riddled his former team in the preseason last year and articulated it to the Bills’ GM—who would’ve welcomed Trubisky back if the shot to start elsewhere hadn’t materialized for him.

 

“[Brian] Daboll and [Ken] Dorsey allowed Josh the freedom, if something else is there, to improvise, and make plays and basically play free,” Beane said. “Talking to Mitch, I know he felt like, as we were getting into preseason last year, he was starting to gain confidence and trust it, and play free, too. And generally, you follow the rules. But sometimes you see something, and the last time they gave you that look and you ran something, it would’ve been there. So you come back to it.”

Which is how, in a certain way, playing in Buffalo led Trubisky to start to see playing the position as an art again, rather than just a science.

 

“The difference between my experience in Chicago and what I saw in Buffalo is they allow Josh to go out there and play his game,” he continued. “In Chicago, they wanted me to play the coaches’ game. Call it whatever you will, that’s just how it felt to me. That was my experience, from what I saw in Chicago to what I saw in Buffalo.

“My experience in Buffalo, you’re not just going through progressions, you’re seeing the field. Sometimes I’d be on the sidelines, and I’d be like, He had a completion right here. But based on what the defense was doing, he also had [Stefon] Diggs on a deep post and we scored a touchdown. Those are things you’re seeing on the field that you can’t see from the sidelines, and vice versa.”

 

 

[Victory Formation]

I would argue that if Trubisky truly did turn the corner that Daboll would have brought him with him to the Giants.

[Don Otreply]

4 minutes ago, Victory Formation said:

I would argue that if Trubisky truly did turn the corner that Daboll would have brought him with him to the Giants.

Or Mitch smartly didn’t want to play in a Giants organization that will likely take three seasons to become competitive league wide…, Steelers or Giants, given the choice, The Steelers all day every day, 

[ColoradoBills]

7 minutes ago, Victory Formation said:

I would argue that if Trubisky truly did turn the corner that Daboll would have brought him with him to the Giants.

 

Trubisky no doubt had a choice of a few teams to go to.  His selecting of Pittsburgh was a good decision IMO.

1 minute ago, Don Otreply said:

Or Mitch smartly didn’t want to play in a Giants organization that will likely take three seasons to become competitive league wide…, Steelers or Giants, given the choice, The Steelers all day every day, 

 

Just said the same thing.

[Miyagi-Do Karate]

9 minutes ago, Victory Formation said:

I would argue that if Trubisky truly did turn the corner that Daboll would have brought him with him to the Giants.

Giants tried hard to sign him. 

[ChasBB]

10 minutes ago, Victory Formation said:

I would argue that if Trubisky truly did turn the corner that Daboll would have brought him with him to the Giants.

The Giants seem fairly high on Daniel Jones progressing.  Trubisky probably wanted a situation where there would be more of a real competition for a starting job instead of having to take a back seat yet again.  I could be wrong - just my opinion.

[FilthyBeast]

I think we are going to learn a lot about how valuable (or invaluable) Daboll was to JA17's development and this offense in the coming months.

 

Because if Allen has any type of regression it will be easy to say it's because of Daboll's absence. Conversely if Daboll makes Daniel Jones look decent and the Giants surprise people this year he'll be considered a genius.

[Don Otreply]

Just now, ChasBB said:

The Giants seem fairly high on Daniel Jones progressing.  Trubisky probably wanted a situation where there would be more of a real competition for a starting job instead of having to take a back seat yet again.  I could be wrong - just my opinion.

Well, being that the Giants new GM, didn’t pick up his fifth year option, I’m not so certain they are “high” on him, Jones had better turn his game around or he will be looking for new employment as a backup somewhere, jmo.

[ChasBB]

Just now, Don Otreply said:

Well, being that the Giants new GM, didn’t pick up his fifth year option, I’m not so certain they are “high” on him, Jones had better turn his game around or he will be looking for new employment as a backup somewhere, jmo.

Fair point!

[AmishRifle]

I think that’s a great article.  Thanks for sharing!

 

Personally, I think we will miss Dabs this year.  

[atlbillsfan1975]

9 minutes ago, AmishRifle said:

I think that’s a great article.  Thanks for sharing!

 

Personally, I think we will miss Dabs this year.  

Short term maybe, but I think it was time for everyone to move forward 

[Don Otreply]

Just now, AmishRifle said:

I think that’s a great article.  Thanks for sharing!

 

Personally, I think we will miss Dabs this year.  

Dabs was a product of Allen more than Allen was a product of Dabs, that and the Giants for all intent and purpose don’t have a QB, Daniel Jones Is no Josh Allen. 
 

   

[mushypeaches]

Just now, Don Otreply said:

Dabs was a product of Allen more than Allen was a product of Dabs, that and the Giants for all intent and purpose don’t have a QB, Daniel Jones Is no Josh Allen. 
 

   

 

This X 1000

[TheBrownBear]

Thanks for the link.  Should be interesting/fun to see how both Trubisky and Daboll progress this year in their new situations.

[TBBills]

Anything on how his first week at Steelers TC went? Last I heard he was the #1.

[That's No Moon]

7 minutes ago, TBBills said:

Anything on how his first week at Steelers TC went? Last I heard he was the #1.

That's what I heard as well but he's in a tough spot right now. He's following a HoF QB who had achieved near god-like status in town and he has a 1st round pick, who played for the hometown college, right behind him.  He has to come out of the blocks on fire and pretty much stay that way to keep the Roethlisberger comparisons/criticisms in check and to keep the locals from calling for Pickett.

 

I know it's hindsight and easier to say now but the Giants would have been an easier place. The incumbent QB has disappointed, didn't get his 5th year option picked up, and has some stink on him. The new HC and GM both have more of a connection to MT than to Jones at this point and if Jones comes out bad, or gets hurt again, the locals would be the ones clamoring for MT to play.   Sure, MT is the starter right now in Pittsburgh. I just think it's more likely that he'd be the starter in NY at the end of year than in Pittsburgh. That said, if he IS still starting in Pittsburgh at the end of the year that means he played really well and Pittsburgh won a lot of games. If one or the other of those things doesn't happen, you'll see Pickett.

[Simon]

28 minutes ago, That's No Moon said:

That's what I heard as well but he's in a tough spot right now. He's following a HoF QB who had achieved near god-like status in town and he has a 1st round pick, who played for the hometown college, right behind him.  He has to come out of the blocks on fire and pretty much stay that way to keep the Roethlisberger comparisons/criticisms in check and to keep the locals from calling for Pickett.

 

 

 

Despite the media's insistence on pushing another narrative, Stiller fans were done with Roethlisberger well before he retired and following him is not likely to be an issue in the short term. They also seem to recognize that Pickett is likely nothing but the #3 guy this year. 

Mitch is competing with Mason Rudolph for the starting spot and will likely beat him out.

imo, Trubisky's biggest worry is probably surviving behind an abysmal offensive line.

[Rampage]

1 hour ago, Don Otreply said:

Dabs was a product of Allen more than Allen was a product of Dabs, that and the Giants for all intent and purpose don’t have a QB, Daniel Jones Is no Josh Allen. 
 

   

Agreed. That’s the case for virtually every OC as well. They’re only as good as their quarterback. At the end of the day they can’t throw the football or go through the progressions. Allen’s not going to suddenly forgot how to throw a football or scramble because Daboll is gone.

[That's No Moon]

4 minutes ago, Simon said:

 

Despite the media's insistence on pushing another narrative, Stiller fans were done with Roethlisberger well before he retired and following him is not likely to be an issue in the short term. 

Tell that to the many Steeler fans I know.  Also, it's easier to say that now. If the team struggles because of QB play it will become more of a problem.  Pickett is also already taking reps with the 2s.

[Simon]

4 minutes ago, That's No Moon said:

Tell that to the many Steeler fans I know.  Also, it's easier to say that now. If the team struggles because of QB play it will become more of a problem.  Pickett is also already taking reps with the 2s.

 

I've lived in Western PA for most of the last 30 years.

And Tomlin has already said that every QB will be running with every group and that the rotation means nothing.

Ben's game had been disintegrating before our eyes for years and he was downright awful last season. Nobody wanted him back and I seriously doubt that any comparisons to Roethlisberger will carry any weight outside of people who want to sell newspapers.

 

[1ManRaid]

2 hours ago, Victory Formation said:

I would argue that if Trubisky truly did turn the corner that Daboll would have brought him with him to the Giants.

 

People forget that free agents have to agree to sign with a team.  Every year we get threads about "why didn't we just get this guy" like they were a dollar bill sitting in the street to be scooped up.

[The Dean]

13 minutes ago, Simon said:

 

I've lived in Western PA for most of the last 30 years.

And Tomlin has already said that every QB will be running with every group and that the rotation means nothing.

Ben's game had been disintegrating before our eyes for years and he was downright awful last season. Nobody wanted him back and I seriously doubt that any comparisons to Roethlisberger will carry any weight outside of people who want to sell newspapers.

 

 

 

Ben is a Steelers' legend. But the past 2-3 years he was barely hanging on. Steeler fans know that--at least the smart ones. He'll be given a good opportunity by the fans.

 

If he can survive their OL Mitch might have a chance to be a fairly decent QB. IMO he's a far better bet than Mayfield.

[billybrew1]

2 hours ago, Victory Formation said:

I would argue that if Trubisky truly did turn the corner that Daboll would have brought him with him to the Giants.

I don’t get the negativity?  It seems fair to say that if Daboll loved Trubisky, he’d be a giant….

 

why not?

 

seems like a gimme to me…

[1ManRaid]

7 minutes ago, billybrew1 said:

I don’t get the negativity?  It seems fair to say that if Daboll loved Trubisky, he’d be a giant….

 

why not?

 

seems like a gimme to me…

 

Because as I said, Mitch has to agree to go there.  Others have said Daboll did try to sign him.

[GaryPinC]

36 minutes ago, That's No Moon said:

Tell that to the many Steeler fans I know.  Also, it's easier to say that now. If the team struggles because of QB play it will become more of a problem.  Pickett is also already taking reps with the 2s.

I probably don't know as many as you but the ones I know were more than ready to move on from Ben.  2 years ago.

[Over 29 years of fanhood]

All I read is he liked the bills offensive philosophy better than what he encountered in the past. Don’t think there is anything more than that. 

[Fan in Chicago]

10 minutes ago, The Dean said:

 

 

Ben is a Steelers' legend. But the past 2-3 years he was barely hanging on. Steeler fans know that--at least the smart ones. He'll be given a good opportunity by the fans.

 

If he can survive their OL Mitch might have a chance to be a fairly decent QB. IMO he's a far better bet than Mayfield.

The relative inattention to the QB position for BenR's successor is surprising for an organization as well run as the Steelers. As with any team privileged to have a long time franchise QB, the time to draft a potential replacement is a couple of years before the starter's projected decline. if the incumbent plays on for much longer than expected, trade the young gun. If the oldie's performance drops off too fast, you have already got a trainee. 

[Mr. WEO]

13 minutes ago, The Dean said:

 

 

Ben is a Steelers' legend. But the past 2-3 years he was barely hanging on. Steeler fans know that--at least the smart ones. He'll be given a good opportunity by the fans.

 

If he can survive their OL Mitch might have a chance to be a fairly decent QB. IMO he's a far better bet than Mayfield.

 

2 years ago, the decaying Ben had a better season than Trubisky ever had.  

 

Trubisky's legend here began with the cup of coffee he had in Buffalo...

[Chaos]

2 hours ago, FilthyBeast said:

I think we are going to learn a lot about how valuable (or invaluable) Daboll was to JA17's development and this offense in the coming months.

 

Because if Allen has any type of regression it will be easy to say it's because of Daboll's absence. Conversely if Daboll makes Daniel Jones look decent and the Giants surprise people this year he'll be considered a genius.

Josh made Daboll.  This will be evident shortly. 

[That's No Moon]

22 minutes ago, GaryPinC said:

I probably don't know as many as you but the ones I know were more than ready to move on from Ben.  2 years ago.

And like I said before, it's easy to feel that way until the new QB you have stinks up the place and you start losing because of it.  Ready to move on? Sure. Ready to deal with a full season of Duck Hodges like performances? Probably not. One thing that fanbase is is spoiled. It won't take long for the knives to come out for any new QB, particularly with a popular high draft pick waiting in the wings, which was my point.

[Southern_Bills]

3 hours ago, Victory Formation said:

I would argue that if Trubisky truly did turn the corner that Daboll would have brought him with him to the Giants.

 

I think your thought process is logical, but the Giants are in salary cap trouble in a big way. Also, the owner may have wanted to run the course with Jones.

[The Dean]

1 hour ago, billybrew1 said:

I don’t get the negativity?  It seems fair to say that if Daboll loved Trubisky, he’d be a giant….

 

why not?

 

seems like a gimme to me…

 

1 hour ago, 1ManRaid said:

 

Because as I said, Mitch has to agree to go there.  Others have said Daboll did try to sign him.

 

 

Apparently some people don't understand it takes BOTH sides to get a deal done. 

[Simon]

1 hour ago, Mr. WEO said:

 

2 years ago, the decaying Ben had a better season than Trubisky ever had.  

 

Trubisky's legend here began with the cup of coffee he had in Buffalo...

 

Suggesting that Trubisky is a minimally better option than the last we saw of Roethlisberger, a rookie or Mason Rudolph is hardly conferring "legend" status upon him.

[hondo in seattle]

3 hours ago, Don Otreply said:

Dabs was a product of Allen more than Allen was a product of Dabs, that and the Giants for all intent and purpose don’t have a QB, Daniel Jones Is no Josh Allen. 
 

   

 

I think Dabs had a lot to do with Allen's maturation as a QB.  But I also think, where Allen is now, he'll be fine with Dorsey.  

[1ManRaid]

7 minutes ago, hondo in seattle said:

 

I think Dabs had a lot to do with Allen's maturation as a QB.  But I also think, where Allen is now, he'll be fine with Dorsey.  

 

I think Josh's own work ethic and Jordan Palmer's offseason coaching had WAY more to do with it than Daboll.

[Doc Brown]

3 hours ago, Don Otreply said:

Well, being that the Giants new GM, didn’t pick up his fifth year option, I’m not so certain they are “high” on him, Jones had better turn his game around or he will be looking for new employment as a backup somewhere, jmo.

They saw what happened to the Panthers with Darnold.  It was a no brainer decision as it's a "win win" for them.  Either they find their franchise QB in Jones or they draft one next year in a QB rich draft.

4 hours ago, Don Otreply said:

Or Mitch smartly didn’t want to play in a Giants organization that will likely take three seasons to become competitive league wide…, Steelers or Giants, given the choice, The Steelers all day every day, 

I'm interested to see how he performs in Canada's offensive scheme as a slow Big Ben and a poor offensive line limited the playbook.

[Punching Bag]

3 hours ago, Simon said:

 

Despite the media's insistence on pushing another narrative, Stiller fans were done with Roethlisberger well before he retired and following him is not likely to be an issue in the short term. They also seem to recognize that Pickett is likely nothing but the #3 guy this year. 

Mitch is competing with Mason Rudolph for the starting spot and will likely beat him out.

imo, Trubisky's biggest worry is probably surviving behind an abysmal offensive line.

 

Trubisky has at least had first hand experience playing behind a sub-par line and seeing Josh Allen adjust for it. 

[Nelius]

Cool article, thanks for sharing. Rooting for Mitch. Chicago's kind of been a mess for awhile, and he's a still a who knows with a good attitude and mental in my book.

 

Regarding missing Daboll, I'm hoping that Dorsey just follows his lead but lets it fly even a little more loose since his role is new and Allen's really assuming control. Why wouldn't the Daboll philosophy persist? There's no way he takes the offense in some kind of strange new direction.

Edited August 2, 2022 by Nelius

[mannc]

5 hours ago, Simon said:

 

Despite the media's insistence on pushing another narrative, Stiller fans were done with Roethlisberger well before he retired and following him is not likely to be an issue in the short term. They also seem to recognize that Pickett is likely nothing but the #3 guy this year. 

Mitch is competing with Mason Rudolph for the starting spot and will likely beat him out.

imo, Trubisky's biggest worry is probably surviving behind an abysmal offensive line.

Yep, the Steelers are in a brutal division and it’s not an organization (or fanbase) that will accept a 4-13 rebuilding season under a rookie QB. Mitch has played in the league for five years and he’s won a lot of games.  I’ll be surprised if he doesn’t start every game that he’s healthy.

Edited August 2, 2022 by mannc

[BillsFanForever19]

7 hours ago, Victory Formation said:

I would argue that if Trubisky truly did turn the corner that Daboll would have brought him with him to the Giants.

 

If you're Brian Daboll and the Giants, you're probably going to want to see what Daniel Jones can do in Year 4 and under them, after the investment the team spent on him. And to truly do that, you don't want him looking over his shoulder knowing that the new coach brought his own guy in. He either puts it together or (more likely) Daboll and Schoen pick their guy in next year's Draft.

 

And on the flip side, if you're Mitch Trubisky - would you rather go to a team to compete in the Giants or go to a team that you're going to be handed the starting job this year in the Steelers?

Edited August 2, 2022 by BillsFanForever19