Dec 9, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Josh McCown (12) celebrates with teammates after rushing for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Let’s tap the break on the enshrinement of Josh McCown into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. McCown’s Bears left Minnesota and St Louis with losses before the big game against the Cowboys, scoring 21 and 20 points against a pair of last place teams. How important would one of those games be in the win column right about now? Yes, he’s done well in replacing Cutler, throwing 13 TD’s to just 1 INT. The sample size is sufficient to compare to Cutler, who’s also thrown 13 TD’s but tossed 8 interceptions in the process.
That’s one knock on Cutler – his ego. He thinks he can put the ball into any window, no matter how small. He has the cannon and isn’t afraid to use it, but sometimes that cannon backfires. On the contrary, McCown plays with a sense of humility that makes him likable to many fans. He doesn’t pretend to be able to sling it around and often self-deprecates his arm strength but still manages to make the throws.
Cutler will play in the three most important games of his career these final weeks of the season. Cutler is a free agent after this season and is playing for a contract. Is he worthy of a full boat deal, like Matt Ryan, Matthew Stafford and Tony Romo, quarerbacks with comparable playoff records to Cutlter’s? Is there a “hometown discount” to stick around and see this thing through with some of the talent finally in place?
There are a couple of schools of thought behind Cutler returning to the starting lineup. One school would indicate that the Bears have made up their mind and want to see their quarterback of the future as much as possible. They’re already committed even though the papers haven’t been signed yet.
"“I think Phil (Emery) has a plan — actually, I know Phil has a plan. You guys might not know Phil’s plan, but he has a plan,” Cutler said."
Does Jay know something we don’t know?
The other school of thought is that the Bears haven’t made up their minds yet and really want to continue the evaluation process. What Josh McCown has shown over the last few weeks is that the quarterback position in Marc Trestman’s offense is less reliant on a rare physical talent like Cutler’s. If Josh McCown can do it, can just about anyone do it? Would the Bears actually let Cutler walk for nothing and start over behind McCown and a draft pick? Would they try to go on the cheap with the most important position on the field?
It’s put up or shut up time for Cutler, starting on Sunday against the Browns. It’s either put up big numbers and three wins or shut up about a new contract.
What do you think? Cutler or McCown? McCown or Cutler? Don’t be a second guesser on Monday morning? Pick a lane and post your Comments!