Bears vs Browns: Keys to a Chicago Bears Victory

Nov 10, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) walks off the field after losing to the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field. Detroit defeats Chicago 21-19. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

In previous seasons, Jay Cutler’s return would be heralded and met with excitement and dare I say jubilation.  Coming off a thrilling Monday Night Football win against the Dallas Cowboys behind Josh McCown, there is a lot of angst among Bears fans who want to see the Bears stick with the hot hand.  To head coach Marc Trestman’s credit, he’s stuck to his guns and will return Cutler to the starting quarterback position now that he’s been cleared to play.  Wasn’t he cleared against the Lions too?  Just saying.

Cutler or McCown, the 4-9 Browns offer the Bears yet another chance to continue their playoff hopes alive.  There will certainly be opportunities to come out of Cleveland with a win.  Here are FIVE:

Apply Rustoleum Liberally

Jay’s played about five and a half quarters of football since the Bears’ beat the Giants on Thursday Night Football on October 10th.  The missed the entire second half against the Redskins, the entire Packers game and then the final drive against the Lions sandwiched around a bye.  The Bears offense has evolved quite a bit in those few weeks.

Alshon Jeffery has emerged as a #1a and flourished the last couple of weeks under McCown.  Since Jay left, the Bears have three 1000 yard performers – with Jeffery and Marshall going over 1000 yards receiving and Matt Forte topping 1000 yards rushing.  The line has been steadily improving too, which should help Cutler against the stout Browns defense.

Jay cannot afford to show any signs of rust.  He’s got to get re-acclimated to his surroundings quickly and shake off the rust.  I actually suggest they just spray him down with a healthy dose of Rustoleum.