Chicago Bears Training Camp Preview: Quarterbacks

As we count down the final days to the start of Chicago Bears training camp, we’re doing a preview of all of the position groups.  We’ll look at our projected starters, key backups, training camp battles as we review the additions and subtractions to the Bears roster over the offseason.

TODAY’S POSITION: QUARTERBACKS

Projected Starter:  Jay Cutler

Backups: Jordan Palmer, Jimmy Clausen, David Fales*

*indicates rookie

Key Departures: Josh McCown

Analysis

Dec 29, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) drops back to pass against the Green Bay Packers during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

After getting a huge payday to start the offseason, so the Bears have hitched their wagon to Jay Cutler.  Expectations are sky high for Cutler, now in his second season under Marc Trestman.  Cutler hasn’t played all 16 games in a season since 2009, his first season with the Bears.  A couple of concussions and a few fluke injuries later, the biggest question on Cutler heading into the season is if he can play a full schedule.  If he can’t, it gets pretty murky behind him.

Josh McCown did well enough under Marc Trestman to earn a big payday to get starters money to go to Tampa Bay.  Before last season, the same questions probably persisted about the journeyman McCown.  This season, the Bears have Jordan Palmer who’s attempted 15 passes in his on again, off again career.  Besides 6th round rookie draft pick David Fales, the Bears picked up former second round pick Jimmy Clausen to compete for the backup quarterback job.

It’s pretty clear that it’s Cutler or bust for the Bears quarterbacks.  With an improved offensive line, arguably the top wide receiver duo in the league and a second season in the offense that ranked second in the league last year, Cutler needs to take his game to another level.  If he can’t, it could get ugly.