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  • Preseason All-American Team: Special Teams

    Preseason All-American Team: Special Teams

    As we approach the start of the college football season we will be releasing our 2022 Preseason All-American team. A kicker, punter, and return man, and an honorable mention at each spot was selected and discussed.

    Check out our other selections in these links.

    Offense: QB RB WR TE OC OT OG

    Defense: DL Edge LB CB S

    Entire series

    The special teamers selected were…

    RET Jayden Reed – Michigan State

    The Spartans electric playmaker Jayden Reed is our pick for our All-American returner. The speedy and elusive Reed recorded an FBS high 2 punt return touchdowns, and was one of 5 players with at least 200 punt return yards and 300 kick return yards.

    K Harrison Mevis – Missouri

    Following the 2021 season, Harrison Mevis made the First Team on our inaugural All-SIS list. He tied for the lead among all players who are primarily field goal kickers with 26 Total Points. He finished 2021 going 23-of-25 on field goals, and 3-of-3 from over 50 yards, while also hitting all 41 of his extra point attempts. His 23 made field goals tied for 6th-most in FBS and was tops in the SEC.

    P Michael Turk – Oklahoma

    The son of 3-time Pro Bowl Punter Matt Turk, Michael Turk tied for the lead among all punters with a 51.2 punt average in 2021. The former Arizona State Sun Devil and Lafayette Leopard enjoyed his first season in Norman even though he wasn’t forced to punt often. He punted only 35 times all year, which ranked 116th in the FBS.

    However, when asked, he pinned nearly 50% of his punts inside the 20 and recorded only 4 touchbacks.

    Honorable Mentions

    RET Brian Battie – USF

    The returning 2021 consensus All-American return specialist Brian Battie from USF receives our honorable mention. With 3 kick return touchdowns and over 600 yards on returns, he was one of the most electric returners of the 2021 season. He stands to have the opportunity to make a significant impact on special teams. His long speed and acceleration allows him to burst through lanes and run away from defenders.

    K Jonah Dalmas – Boise State

    Jonah Dalmas led all FBS kickers with 26 made FG in 2021. While he didn’t connect on any kicks beyond 50 yards, he was 6-of-6 between 40 and 49. Overall he was 26-of-28 on field goals and 38-of-39 on extra points making for a great stat line to bring back in 2022 for the Broncos.

    P Adam Korsak – Rutgers

    Adam Korsak was very close to making the top team. His 22 Total Points from last season tops all returning punters in the FBS. While his 44.9 net average ranked only 17th last season, 53% of his 72 punts landed inside the 20, and he went the entire season without a touchback.

  • Preseason All-American Team: Safeties

    Preseason All-American Team: Safeties

    As we approach the start of the college football season we will be releasing our 2022 Preseason All-American team.  Our two safeties and two honorable mentions were selected and discussed.

    Check out our other selections in these links.

    Offense: QB RB WR TE OC OT OG

    Defense: DL Edge LB CB

    Entire series

    The safeties selected are…

    S Jordan Battle – Alabama

    S Brandon Joseph – Notre Dame

    Battle, who could’ve left for the NFL after last season, is returning to Alabama for his senior season. He is coming off a year in which he was named All-SEC First Team by both the coaches and the AP. He had 3 interceptions, 4 pass deflections, 1 touchdown and 50 tackles.

    Battle is also near the top of the SEC and the entire country in several advanced stats.

    • 29.5 Passer Rating Against (3rd in FBS)
    • -20.8 EPA (2nd)
    • 0.1 Yards Per Coverage Snap (lowest)
    • 37.6 Coverage Total Points (1st for safeties)
    • 14.1 Total Points vs the run (Top 10 for safeties)

    Joseph transferred to Notre Dame after spending the previous three seasons at Northwestern. While at Northwestern, Joseph was named to the AP First Team, AP All-Big Ten First Team, and AP Newcomer of the Year in 2020. He was also named as an All-Big Ten honorable mention by coaches in 2021.

    Joseph has been a ballhawk in the secondary the past two years. In 2020, he had 6 interceptions despite only 17 targets. In 2021, Joseph was targeted only 23 times in 376 coverage snaps but still finished with 3 interceptions and 3 pass deflections.

    His 40.8 Coverage Total Points in 2020 led the FBS among safeties and his Points Above Average was 2nd best. In 2021, he finished second in the Big Ten with 36.2 Coverage Total Points.

    Honorable Mentions

    S Jalen Catalon – Arkansas

    S JL Skinner – Boise State

    Coming off an All-SEC First Team (AP) selection, Catalan played in only 6 games in 2021 before suffering a season-ending injury. In those 6 games, he had 2 interceptions and 4 pass deflections. His 20.7 Pass Coverage Total Points in those games was 4th in the entire country among safeties.

    Skinner is returning to Boise State after his All-Mountain West 2nd Team selection in 2021. He had 2 interceptions and 6 pass deflections, with 90 combined tackles which ranked 3rd among Mountain West safeties. His 27.2 Total Points against the run in 2021 was 5th in the country at the position.

  • Preseason All-American Team: Offensive Guards

    Preseason All-American Team: Offensive Guards

    As we approach the start of the college football season we will be releasing our 2022 Preseason All-American team.  Our two guards and two honorable mentions were selected and discussed.

    Check out our other selections in these links.

    Offense: QB RB WR TE OC OT

    Defense: DL Edge LB CB

    Entire series

    The guards selected are…

    OG Andrew Vorhees – USC

    OG Emil Ekiyor Jr. – Alabama

    Andrew Vorhees enters his 6th year at USC as their most experienced lineman. He has started at both guard positions and left tackle in his collegiate career. Injuries have hindered his career, but he has fought back each time and was named the the AP All-American 3rd team after last season.

    With Lincoln Riley and Caleb Williams coming over from Oklahoma, Jordan Addison coming from Pitt, and Travis Dye coming from Oregon, USC expects an offensive juggernaut. Vorhees will be the leader of the offensive line and may have a chance to do something that has alluded him in his career, make the CFP.

    Emil Ekiyor Jr. has 29 career starts entering the 2022 season and has been a part of a few high-powered offenses at Alabama. He will look to improve his NFL draft stock with another solid season and could finish the season as one of the top guard prospects in the country.

    Alabama has a long list of NFL offensive linemen and Ekiyor has improved leaps and bounds over his career. Combine his stellar play with national championship aspirations, and you get a prime candidate to become an All-American at the end of the season.

    Honorable Mentions

    OG O’Cyrus Torrence – Florida

    OG Caleb Chandler – Louisville

    OG Willie Lampkin – Coastal Carolina

    OG Nathan Monnin – Kent State

    Torrence followed Billy Napier from Louisiana to Florida this offseason and looks to take his talents to the SEC. He was an outstanding tackle at Louisiana and could continue at that position, but it’s looking more likely that he will kick inside to guard.

    His size, athleticism, and temperament should make the transition a success and he will look to continue the recent trend of Ragin’ Cajun offensive linemen who are drafted in the NFL.

    Chandler will look to lead Louisville’s offensive line in his 5th season. He has been a mainstay on the offensive line for the last several years and has a chance to earn national recognition with another strong campaign.

    Lampkin is an undersized guard, but he is a joy to watch. He is a fluid athlete with a wrestling background and he is a menace at the guard position. He was named 2nd Team All-Sun Belt last season and with Grayson McCall returning, the Coastal Carolina offense will continue to wreck havoc in the Sun Belt.

    Monnin dominated the SIS metrics last season and looked comfortable against top 10 opponents Texas A&M and Iowa last year. His name might not be well-known to casual fans, but NFL evaluators have their eye on him and he has a chance to show he belongs on NFL draft boards.

  • Preseason All-American Team: Centers

    Preseason All-American Team: Centers

    As we approach the start of the college football season we will be releasing our 2022 Preseason All-American team.  One center and two honorable mentions were selected and discussed.

    Check out our other selections in these links.

    Offense: QB RB WR TE OT

    Defense: DL Edge LB CB

    Entire series

    The center selected was…

    OC Jarrett Patterson – Notre Dame

    Patterson returns to South Bend for his 5th season in 2022 as a veteran presence along the offensive line. He accounted for 32 Total Points during the 2021 season along with only 6 blown blocks. He helped pave the way for an offense that racked up 426 yards and over 35 points per game last season.

    The lengthy list of Notre Dame offensive linemen that have gone on to the NFL should get a little longer after the upcoming draft.

    Honorable Mentions

    OC John Michael Schmitz – Minnesota

    OC Malik Sumter – Georgia State

    John Michael Schmitz is the lone returning starter for the Golden Gophers. He will look to steer the new starters towards the same success the previous linemen attained.

    Schmitz has produced at an elite level the last two seasons, posting a Blown Block% of 0.3% last season and 0.2% the season before. There are some NFL evaluators who wondered why he didn’t declare for the NFL draft after last season, but he has a chance to be one of the first couple of centers taken in the upcoming draft if he continues his high-level play.

    Sumter is the leading Total Points getter among all returning interior linemen. In addition to his 41 Total Points in 2021, he also managed to create over 2.7 yards before contact for his ballcarriers and had only 4 blown blocks all season. He was a consistent presence last season on a quality team and, despite being undersized, can make an impact in both the rushing and passing games.

  • Preseason All-American Team: Offensive Tackle

    Preseason All-American Team: Offensive Tackle

    As we approach the start of the college football season we will be releasing our 2022 Preseason All-American team.  Two offensive tackles and four honorable mentions were selected and discussed.

    Check out our other selections in these links.

    Offense: QB RB WR TE

    Defense: DL Edge LB CB

    Entire series

    The offensive tackles selected are…

    OT Peter Skoronski – Northwestern

    OT Paris Johnson Jr. – Ohio State

    Skoronski returns to the Wildcats after being named First Team All-Big Ten by the coaches. He has started in every game in his collegiate career at Northwestern. He was the leader on the offensive line, and helped create run lanes for 1,000 yard rusher Evan Hull.

    Skoronski returns as one of the top offensive lineman in the country regardless of position, and could potentially be the second offensive tackle taken from Northwestern in the First Round of the NFL Draft in the last 3 seasons, along with former teammate Rashawn Slater.

    Johnson is a former 5-star recruit who has already gained experience at multiple positions along the offensive line in his first two seasons for the Buckeyes. After starting all 13 games of the 2021 season at right guard, Johnson is projected to switch positions and become Ohio State’s starting left tackle in 2022. He will be tasked with leading OSU’s line, paving the way for 1,000 yard rusher TreVeyon Henderson, and protecting the blind side for Heisman candidate C.J. Stroud.

    Honorable Mentions

    OT Jaxson Kirkland – Washington

    OT Kadeem Telfort – UAB

    OT Blake Freeland – BYU

    OT Zion Nelson – Miami

    Kirkland, an All-Pac 12 First Team selection, returns for his sixth season and is one of  the most experienced left tackles in the country. He has played in 39 games in his career and has started in every one.

    Telfort is a massive left tackle who returns to the Blazers with All-CUSA Honorable Mention honors from the 2021 season. He started all 13 games and helped lead the UAB running backs to reach over 2,700 yards rushing last season.

    Freeland enters his 5th season as the leader of BYU’s offensive line and hopes to improve his NFL draft stock. After a very successful season last year, he has a lot of momentum heading into the season and has a chance to be an All-American at the end of the season.

    Nelson earned the starting left tackle position as a true freshman in 2019 and enters his 4th season as a name to watch. His combination of size, athleticism, and skill are hard to find and if he has another successful year, could hear his name called early in the 2023 NFL Draft.

  • Preseason All-American Team: Linebackers

    Preseason All-American Team: Linebackers

    As we approach the start of the college football season, we will be releasing our 2022 Preseason All-American team.  Two linebackers were selected (not including Edge rushers). We also picked three honorable mentions and discussed them in-depth as well.

    Check out our other selections in these links.

    Offense: QB RB WR TE

    Defense: DL Edge CB

    Entire series

    LB Noah Sewell – Oregon

    LB Jack Campbell – Iowa

    Noah Sewell quickly made a name for himself at Oregon. As a true freshman in 2020, he was named Pac-12 Freshman Defensive Player of the Year and was on numerous Freshman All-American teams. In 2021, he took it a step further and was named First Team All-Pac-12 as well as a Butkus Award semifinalist (nation’s top linebacker). He is riding incredible momentum heading into his 3rd season and he could hear his name called early in the 2023 NFL Draft with another strong year. He is big, fast, and intelligent and has a chance to wreak havoc on the Pac-12 all over again.

    Jack Campbell continues the trend of high-end linebackers that come out of Iowa. His massive 6’5″ 250 pound frame allows him to handle the physical Big Ten. His presence is felt in both the run and pass games as he ranked 2nd in the Big Ten in tackles last season. His impact for the Hawkeyes is immense as he was named to the Player Council, Leadership Group, and received the Roy Carver Most Valuable Player (defense). He heads into his 4th season looking for the elusive Big 10 title.

    Honorable Mentions

    LB Henry To’o To’o – Alabama

    LB Trenton Simpson – Clemson

    LB Deshawn Pace – Cincinnati

    To’o To’o transferred to Alabama from Tennessee before last season and immediately stepped into the starting role. He was named All-SEC Second Team after leading the Crimson Tide in tackles, while contributing 4 sacks as well. He is in line to have a massive season and will have the luxury of playing with high-end talent all around him.

    Simpson does it all for Clemson. He is an explosive player who can rush the passer, drop in coverage, and stop the run. His versatility is key for the Tigers’ defense and he should see an expanded role this season as a contributor to one of the best pass rushing units in the country.

    Pace was a massive force on one of the top defenses in the country last season at Cincinnati. With so many players departing for the NFL, he will be asked to take an even bigger role. He is another guy that can do it all, with 9 TFLs and 4 INTs last season.

  • Preseason All-American Team: Defensive Line

    Preseason All-American Team: Defensive Line

    As we approach the start of the college football season, we will be releasing our 2022 Preseason All-American team.  Two defensive linemen were selected (not including Edge rushers). We also picked two honorable mentions and discussed them in-depth as well.

    Check out our other selections in these links.

    Offense: QB RB WR TE

    Defense: Edge CB

    Entire series

    The defensive linemen selected are…

    DL Jalen Carter – Georgia

    DL Bryan Bresee – Clemson

    Carter burst onto the scene for the national champion Georgia Bulldogs in the 2021 season. Even though he totaled just 3 sacks last season, he was second on the team in total pressures (29), trailing only the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Travon Walker (32).

    The All-SEC Second Team player will look to take on a much bigger role this season as he is getting early buzz as the nation’s top interior defensive lineman and a potential Top 10 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

    Bresee is a former 5-star prospect and No. 1 recruit that was a consensus Freshman All-American in the 2020 season. Bresee was sidelined with an ACL and shoulder injury after playing in only four games in the 2021 season. However, he still made All-ACC Third Team.

    Even in a limited number of snaps last season he totaled 3 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, and an INT. Look for Bresee to have a big comeback season alongside a loaded defensive front including potential Top 10 pick, running mate Myles Murphy.

    Honorable Mentions

    DL Byron Young – Alabama

    DL Jonah Tovai – San Diego State

    Look for Byron Young to be the next star defensive tackle on the Alabama defensive line. After making only seven starts last year, Young projects to take on a bigger role heading into the 2022 season. He had 9 TFLs and 2 sacks last season, and he should see an increase in production rushing inside next to teammate Will Anderson, who will surely command a lot of attention.

    Tovai was a First Team All-American according to multiple outlets last season. He ranked in the Top 5 nationally among all DTs  with 40 total pressures in 2021. He finished the season with 14 TFLs and 8.5 sacks. 

  • Preseason All-American Team: Tight Ends

    Preseason All-American Team: Tight Ends

    As we approach the start of the college football season, we will be releasing our 2022 Preseason All-American team. In this article, we’ll name our tight end and a few honorable mentions. Check out our other selections in these links.

    Offense: QB RB WR

    Defense: Edge CB

    Entire series

    TE Brock Bowers – Georgia

    Bowers returns to Georgia for his sophomore season after helping Georgia win the National Championship last year. Bowers, who won SEC Freshman of the Year and was on the All-SEC First Team in 2021, is coming off a season in which he scored 13 touchdowns, which led tight ends in FBS.

    Bowers’ 882 receiving yards were 3rd in the country, his 586 yards after the catch were tops in the FBS, and his 215 yards after first contact were good for 2nd.

    While his individual numbers jump off the page, his overall value to Georgia is even more impressive. His 46.8 EPA led all tight ends  (expected points gained/lost by a team on a play). His 19.8 Total Points was 8th in the country and 1st in the SEC among tight ends.

    Bowers was dominant as a receiver, but he also was effective as a blocker, with an 0.4% Blown Block%.

    Honorable Mentions

    TE Michael Mayer – Notre Dame

    TE Sam LaPorta – Iowa

    TE Kemore Gamble – UCF

    Mayer is coming off a season in which he had 71 receptions for 840 yards and 7 touchdowns for the Fighting Irish. He finished Top 5 in the country in receptions, yards, and yards per game, while those 7 touchdowns put him within the Top 10 among tight ends.

    Laporta’s 52 receptions and 667 receiving yards were both first among Big Ten tight ends in 2021. He averaged 47.6 yards per game which put him 2nd in the Big Ten. His 20.1 Total Points was good for 7th in the country at the position.

    Gamble is transferring to UCF for his final year. He previously played for Florida where he combined to have 39 receptions for 546 yards and 7 touchdowns the previous two seasons. Gamble has been valuable as a blocker as well, with an 0.7% Blown Block%.

  • Preseason All-American Team: Wide Receivers

    Preseason All-American Team: Wide Receivers

    As we approach the start of the college football season, we will be releasing our 2022 Preseason All-American team this month and next. Today we’re adding two wide receivers and some honorable mentions.

    Check out our other selections in these links.

    Offense: QB RB

    Defense: Edge CB

    Entire series

    The wide receivers selected are…

    WR Jordan Addison – USC

    WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba – Ohio State

    As the recipient of the 2021 Biletnikoff award winner, given to the most outstanding FBS receiver, Jordan Addison has little to prove entering his third year in college football. After a phenomenal season in which Pitt won the ACC Championship and QB Kenny Pickett jumped draft boards all the way to the first round, Addison will take his talents to Venice Beach and team with offensive mastermind Lincoln Riley and highly-touted QB Caleb Williams,  Addison has the ideal package to translate to the next level after the season.

    With requisite size, Addison plays even bigger than he is. He creates separation with ease and makes acrobatic catches that could place him in Cirque du Soleil, if not for NFL teams lining up to draft him early in the first round.

    Jaxon Smith-Njigba thrived in 2021 on an Ohio State offense that featured two receivers taken No. 10 and No. 11 overall in this past draft, as well as a 3rd-round tight end. Though some question Smith-Njigba’s ability to work outside of the slot, his value is undeniable. He led the nation in Yards per Target (14.2) and Yards per Route Run (4.4). He also led the nation in SIS metrics for receivers such as: Total Points (47.8), Points Above Average (38.9), Expected Points Added (97.4), and Positive Play Percentage (73.5%).

    With the potential No. 1 pick in the draft, QB C.J. Stroud, and a bevy of highly recruited and talented receivers, Smith-Njigba is in a position to repeat his breakout season and show that he can do it all.

    Honorable Mentions

    WR Josh Downs – UNC

    WR Cedric Tillman – Tennessee

    WR Xavier Worthy – Texas

    WR Jalen Cropper – Fresno State

    There are many receivers that could find themselves on the first team. Though Josh Downs and Cedric Tillman find themselves deservedly high on draft boards, second year receiver Xavier Worthy, of the Texas Longhorns, proved as a true freshman that he was able to shine immediately at the collegiate level. The dynamic playmaker could follow a Ja’Marr Chase-like path and solidify himself as the top receiver in the nation in just his second season. 

    When taking a look at players from outside of the Power 5 conferences, it is impossible to overlook Jalen Cropper of Fresno State. Cropper was one of the hottest names in the transfer portal until deciding to stay at Fresno State. Cropper and QB Jake Haener will maintain one of the most dynamic duos in college football. Cropper is a wiry, electric athlete that plays bigger than his size and challenges the defense on every snap.

  • Which Steelers QB will start Week 1?

    Which Steelers QB will start Week 1?

    After an illustrious 18-year career as the starting quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Ben Roethlisberger decided to hang up his cleats and move on to bigger and better things. After his elbow surgery in 2019, everyone could tell that he was not the same “Killer B” as he once was.

    In his final year, Roethlisberger was 40th in Total Points Earned Per Pass, 36th in Positive Play Percentage, and 30th in Independent Quarterback Rating (IQR) out of 42 quarterbacks who had more than 100 pass attempts in the regular season. 

    As a going-away gift, he has left his predecessor with a low floor to improve the Steelers offense. The question is will that predecessor be Mason Rudolph, Kenny Pickett, or Mitch Trubisky?

    Mason Rudolph

    The 26 year old Mason Rudolph has had four seasons in the Steelers offense to prove that he is more than a backup QB. In 2019 after Roethisberger’s elbow surgery, Rudolph was given the keys to the offense full-time with 10 appearances. Even though he was able to keep the Steelers in the playoff hunt, he was unable to take the offense to the next level and performed as a below-average QB statistically.

    Mason Rudolph

    Metric 2019 (Rk)
    Adjusted Net Yards/Attempt 5.0 (35)
    On-Target % 72.9% (35)
    Independent QB Rating (IQR) 91.8 (25)
    Total Points Earned Per 60 Plays 3.4 (34)
    Positive Pass % 41.9% (35)
    INT % 3.2% (32)

    This season is best remembered for being carried off the field against the Ravens with his facemask sawed off and was involved in an incident with Myles Garrett on the field.

    In 2021, he was given another opportunity with Roethlisberger out due to COVID against the Lions at home. Rudolph was unable to pull out the win in a 16-16 tie against a team with the second worst record in the league. He went 30-50 with 242 yards, 1 TD, and 1 INT. 

    With the additions of other QBs via free agency and the NFL Draft, it seems as though time has expired for Rudolph’s opportunity.

    Kenny Pickett

    In 2021, Kenny Pickett was able to take full advantage of the extra year of eligibility due to COVID. Pickett’s 334 completions, 4,319 passing yards, and 42 TD were all good for Top 10 in the FBS and single season records at Pitt, resulting in an invitation to New York City as a Heisman Finalist. 

    Pickett then cemented his legacy by leading the Pittsburgh Panthers to their first ACC Championship since joining the conference in 2011 and a Peach Bowl appearance. All of his success in his final season as a Panther resulted in him being the 20th overall pick in the NFL Draft by the Steelers. 

    Requiring only a 25-step walk across the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex to his new home, how big of a step will Pickett actually have to take to win the starting job? 

    Kenny Pickett

    Metric 2019 (Rk) 2020 (Rk) 2021 (Rk)
    Adjusted Net Yards/Attempt 5.5 (125) 6.1 (72) 8.8 (10) 
    On-Target % 76.6% (28)  80.0% (14) 78.1% (23)
    Independent QB Rating (IQR) 92.3 (95) 94.7 (66) 125.6 (7)
    Total Points Earned Per 60 Plays 13.3 (58) 11.5 (51) 15.4 (19)
    Positive Pass % 40.6% (114) 44.2% (68) 50.6% (10)
    INT % 1.9% (53) 2.7% (76) 1.4% (18)

    Over his final 3 seasons at Pitt, Pickett was able to improve in many key areas that led to the Panthers success offensively. Importantly, Pickett was able to reduce his Interception Percentage from 2020 to 2021, which he will need to keep low if he wants to win the starting job in Week 1.

    Pickett was able to produce these numbers with Pitt offensive coordinator Mark Whipple’s pro-style offense, where the Panthers ran 12 Personnel 38% of the time. His familiarity with a pro-style offense as well as Steelers offensive coordinator Matt Canada (who recruited Pickett at Pitt) is a positive when factoring in the time required to learn the Steelers offense. 

    If Pickett is able to build on his knowledge of the offense, continue to limit turnovers, and improve his accuracy in the Steelers offensive scheme, he will certainly be on the fast track to the starting job in 2022.

    Mitch Trubisky

    In the 2017 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears traded up to the 2nd overall pick to draft Mitch Trubisky. At the time, Trubisky was considered the top QB prospect in the draft after a prolific career at North Carolina. His best season with the Bears was in 2018, where he amassed 289 completions, 3,223 yards, and 24 TD. This performance helped earn the Bears an NFC North crown. 

    Unfortunately, he was unable to regain the success that he had in 2018 and only led the Bears to one more Wild Card round appearance.

    Mitch Trubisky

    Metric 2018 (Rk) 2019 (Rk) 2020 (Rk)
    Adjusted Net Yards/Attempt 6.6 (16) 5.0 (36) 6.0 (27)
    On-Target % 75.3% (33) 75.0% (24) 75.0% (34)
    Independent QB Rating (IQR) 95.2 (24) 81.2 (38) 87.4 (32)
    Total Points Earned Per 60 Plays 5.0 (31) 2.1 (39) -1.4 (40)
    Positive Pass % 49.8% (14) 43.1% (30) 53.0% (6)
    INT % 2.8% (29) 1.9% (19) 2.7% (32)

    Even though the Bears made the playoffs in 2020, Trubisky was again below-average in his final season as the starter. He was 40th in WAR out of 44 QBs with a minimum 100 passing attempts in the regular season. Additionally, his Interception Percentage spiked back up to 2.7%. 

    Unable to take the Bears offense to the next level, the Bears declined his 5th-year option and Trubisky then signed with the Bills to be their backup.

    In Buffalo, Trubisky only played in 4 games behind MVP candidate Josh Allen. However, he was able to sit and learn in an offense that resulted in 4,284 Net Passing Yards, a 47.5% Positive Pass rate, and 11.5 Total Points Per 60 Plays, all good for Top 10 in the NFL.

    Trubisky’s experience and opportunity to reset behind a successful offense may prove to be the main factor that can land him the starting job Week 1.

    Conclusion

    In OTAs, it was apparent that Trubisky was taking the majority of first team reps, followed by Rudolph then Pickett. When it comes to rookies, Tomlin has historically made every one of them earn their stripes by putting in the grunt work in the offseason. Therefore, Pickett taking the third-team reps comes as no surprise early on. 

    Expect this to be a true battle between Trubisky and Pickett for the starting job in the offseason. Pickett coming in at the age of 24 and running a pro-style system already puts him in a good spot to compete for the job with the experienced Trubisky. 

    Whichever QB can make the least amount of mistakes and make the correct decisions in Matt Canada’s RPO/Play-Action scheme will win the job Week 1.