Currently tied for first in the NFC North, the Chicago Bears will get back their franchise quarterback just in time to make a late push for a spot in the playoffs.
Courtesy: Bleacher Report
In most cases, when the starting quarterback returns to form, your franchise is in a better position than when he was standing from the sidelines. But, are the Bears better off with Cutler than trusted-backup Josh McCown?
Cutler has missed extensive time while nursing an injured groin and ankle and while the Vanderbilt product was rehabbing, McCown quickly became a fan favorite. As the starter, McCown lead the Bears to a 3-2 record while tossing 13 touchdowns to one interception.
McCown’s best game came on Monday night against the Dallas Cowboys. With the season coming to a close and the Bears behind one-game in the standings, McCown’s heroics, which included 348 yards passing and five touchdowns, created a nationwide conundrum: do you start Cutler once healthy or hot-hand McCown?
Trestman acted quickly to quell any thoughts that McCown could possibly supplant Cutler. Via NFL.com, Trestman stated “There’s no change in the plan.” “We will see where Jay is this week. He’ll have to be released by the doctors. When Jay says he is ready to play, he’ll be playing.”
Despite his tremendous play, McCown has openly accepted his role as backup and has stated numerous times that once Cutler returns; he will resume his backup responsibilities. Though McCown is ok with playing behind Cutler, a Bears legend is openly speaking out about his former team and the decision.
On Fox Football Daily, Brian Urlacher offered his two-cents on the topic and said the following: “It’s going to be awfully hard to take (McCown) out of there with the way he’s playing. You look at the numbers since he’s come in…In my opinion he should be the guy, even if Cutler’s healthy. You can’t take a guy who’s this hot out of the football game. If I was on this team I would have a hard time with them taking him out.”
Urlacher no longer mans the middle for the Bears defense but his statement speaks volumes. McCown, who’s played for five teams since entering the NFL in 2002, is playing his best ball under Trestman and to bench him now may be a big mistake.
The Bears situation is reminiscent to the decision that also first year coach Chip Kelly faced in Philadelphia with a slight twist however. Michael Vick, then starter for the Philadelphia Eagles, was sidelined with an injury and in-came the Blonde-Bomber Nick Foles. Foles played exceptionally and led the Eagles to crucial wins. Though Kelly was hesitant to tab Foles as the starter, he did, and the Eagles are better off for it as they have gone 7-1.
The Bears should emulate this decision by Kelly. The situation in Philly however is different I must acknowledge. Foles is a much younger quarterback than Vick and neither was thought to be the franchise signal-caller before the season commenced.
In Chicago, many consider Cutler the franchise quarterback and with this being his last year under contract, a lengthy extension is expected. The Bears firmly understand that if they were to keep McCown as the starter, Cutler would seek greener pastures…LET HIM!
Courtesy: Chicago Tribune
I understand quarterbacks have different responsibilities dependent on the offensive scheme but year-in and year-out Cutler has not done anything to prove he deserves a robust contract. Since joining the Bears in 2009 via trade, Cutler has led the Bears to the postseason only once while throwing 95 touchdowns to 71 interceptions while donning the Bears uni.
The Bears offense was hitting on all cylinders with McCown who utilized the plethora of weapons including Marshall, Matt Forte, Alshon Jeffrey and Martellus Bennett among others. McCown also has the Bears playing inspired football, a motivational bone Cutler does not possess.
When the starting signal-caller goes down, you hold your breath hoping your backup is prepared and able to keep the team in contention. McCown did and the Bears find themselves tied for first in the NFC North.
If I was Phil Emery, the Bears general manager, I would closely scrutinize Cutler’s play over the final weeks of the season. If he is able to continue where McCown left off, than a contract extension is warranted but if he struggles and the team misses the playoffs yet again, I would send the 30-year old packing.
Cutler has been over-valued in Chicago because the previous quarterback he was measured against was Rex Grossman. Though Grossman did take the team to a Super Bowl, it was his play that prevented the team from hoisting the Lombardi Trophy. Heck, most third-string quarterbacks would look good when compared to the likes of Grossman.
No longer will Cutler stand alongside a previous, malign quarterback. Instead, he will have to play his best ball because McCown set the bar unbelievably high considering he was a 34-year old journeyman. Now, Cutler will have to continue the aerial assault that McCown led and lead the organization to a playoff berth.
If Cutler falters early, the Bears should not hesitate to pull the plug. In a win-now league, Trestman does not owe anything to Cutler, but he does to the owner and the fan-base. If McCown gives the franchise its best chance to win, McCown should be under center, despite the fact that his name is not common in households across the country.
The Bears have to look at these last three contests as must win games. It’s also important to consider that their rivals, the Detroit Lions, swept the season series and therefore hold the tiebreaker if both teams finish with a matching record.
The Bears will face the Cleveland Browns, Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers in their remaining three-games. Two out of the three teams are vying for playoff spots so the road will be easy. The Lions final three games are a bit easier as they face the Baltimore Ravens, New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings. Only the Ravens have a chance at a playoff berth and combined the three clubs have a 15-22 record.
McCown will resort to his usual spot on the sidelines while Chicago is holding their fate in Cutler’s hands. If Cutler believes he’s worthy of a lofty extension, now’s the time to prove it. If he performs and leads the Bears to a playoff berth, I can assure you that he will ink his name to a contract with plenty of zeros. But, if he does stumble out of the gates, it will be interesting to see if Trestman inserts McCown.
