Trubisky ready for the next step in growth process

CHICAGO – A steady roar from Vikings fans rumbled around U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday. Drumbeats led the "Skol" chant. Fans raised their hands over their heads in a rhythmic clap. The eerie Gjallarhorn sounded.

When Bears center Cody Whitehair and wide receiver Taylor Gabriel think about quarterback Mitch Trubisky's developing composure, both point to this particular day. Gabriel, who has played in five career playoff games, said it was one of the top five environments he has experienced.

Amid that raucous atmosphere, Trubisky helped the Bears eliminate their NFC North rival from playoff contention. Playing without his top three receivers for much of the game, he led three touchdown drives, including a 16-play, 75-yard march that ate up more than nine minutes in the third and fourth quarters.

"The way he carried himself on the field speaks volumes about how he's grown throughout the year and how he's going to carry it into the playoffs," Whitehair said.

The biggest test of poise in Trubisky's two-year career comes Sunday, when the Bears play host to the Eagles. In front of a Chicago audience that has waited eight years for a playoff game, Trubisky won't avoid the scrutiny the postseason brings.

"Just go through the list of quarterbacks that win in the playoffs and win in Super Bowls," first-year Bears coach Matt Nagy said. "And that's how people remember you."

If Trubisky wants a reminder of what the playoffs can do for a quarterback in a team's lore, he simply needs to look at the man operating the opposing offense Sunday.

"Sometimes it's unfair to a quarterback, but at the same time, they are measured by playoff wins and possibly Super Bowl wins," Eagles coach Doug Pederson said. "Whether you win or lose a playoff game, it's definitely a learning experience that young quarterbacks can take away from and grow and get better."

Trubisky on Wednesday expressed hope that Chicago can do something similarly special to what Foles and Philadelphia did last year.