Chicago Bears Week 6 Free Agent Stock Watch
By Tooch
Oct 10, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) makes a pass against the New York Giants during the second half at Soldier Field. The Bears beat the Giants 27-21. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports
More perfectly timed than a Frank Gore infographic, it’s your Chicago Bears week 6 free agent stock watch:
RISING
Jay Cutler
It was a mistake-free victory for Jay Cutler on Thursday night against the Giants. Cutler finished the night with 262 yards passing and two touchdowns, good for a 106.5 passer rating. His night should have been even more successful had he not overthrown Alshon Jeffery on a deep ball late in the game. Regardless, Cutler has tremendously stepped up his game since the turnover fiasco in Detroit and will now have 10 days to prepare for a soft Washington team before enjoying the bye week.
Tim Jennings
Let’s not kid ourselves, Bears fans — Jennings got bailed out on Thursday night by Eli Manning not once, but twice. He was nowhere to be found on Reuben Randle’s 37-yard touchdown and had a crucial pass interference penalty called on him late in the game. Howevever, the Bears know what they’re getting with Jennings — he’s a No. 2 cornerback who relies more on his timely ball skills than consistently strong coverage and tackling. If Peanut Tillman’s injury problems persist, Jennings’ value will go up even more.
Blake Costanzo
Much of Costanzo’s value to the Bears doesn’t show up on a stat sheet. But with a thin linebacker core and a struggling special teams unit, Costanzo is a must-have player for the Bears right now. He provides leadership and toughness and can (hopefully) help new special teams coach Joe DeCamillis figure out what is wrong with his coverage team, as Boomer made mention of in his report card. Costanzo also took some snaps on defense after James Anderson went down with a back injury.