Mitchell Trubisky is following the Jared Goff blueprint to a T. He even replaced Goff on the Pro Bowl roster.
After a trying rookie season, Trubisky's turnaround has culminated in a trip to Orlando. Goff, of course, is unavailable for Sunday's Pro Bowl because the Rams advanced to the Super Bowl.
With first-year head coach Matt Nagy directing the Chicago Bears' offense, the 24-year-old Trubisky completed 66.6 percent of his passes for 3,223 yards and 24 touchdowns this season, each representing a significant increase from his rookie campaign. Most importantly, the Bears went 11-3 in his starts after winning just four of his 12 starts in 2017.
He wasn't the only second-year quarterback added to the roster Monday. Deshaun Watson, who might have been a Pro Bowl selection last season had he not torn his ACL after six starts, replaced the Patriots' Tom Brady. Watson led the Houston Texans to an 11-5 mark and AFC South title while passing for 4,165 yards and 26 touchdowns with a 68.3 completion percentage.
Watson is only the second Texans quarterback in franchise history to make the Pro Bowl, joining Matt Schaub ('09, '12).
Here is a list of other Pro Bowl replacements announced Monday:
- Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Calais Campbell replaced the Texans' J.J. Watt because of injury. Campbell had 10.5 sacks and 20 tackles for loss.
- Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson replaced the Cowboys' Tyron Smith because of injury.
- Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Kawaan Short replaced the Rams' Aaron Donald. Short had 42 tackles, including 12 tackles for loss.
- New York Giants special teamer and reserve safety Michael Thomas replaced the Rams' Cory Littleton. Thomas recorded two interceptions and 58 tackles, including nine on special teams.
- Oakland Raiders tight end Jared Cook replaced the Chiefs' Travis Kelce. Cook set multiple career-highs with 68 catches, 896 yards and six touchdowns.
- Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris replaced the Patriots' Stephen Gilmore. Harris had three interceptions and 10 passes defensed.
