Jun 11, 2013; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) talks with head coach Marc Trestman during minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Marc Trestman took over in 2013 and completely overhauled the Bears offense. The Bears had been collecting some bits and pieces of offensive talent along the way, but everything came together in 2013. This was certainly going to be the year. The offense lived up to their end of the bargain, despite Cutler missing all or part of 7 games due to injury. Josh McCown did well enough to go from street coaching high school to a $10M deal with the Bucs in 2014. The defense was decimated by injuries and completely fell apart and the Bears were left with an 8-8 record and another missed postseason.
So now it all rests with Cutler. Billick sees the potential. So did the Bears. They backed up a Brinks truck with a 7 year, $126M contract which really amounts to a 3 year, $54 million deal with a bunch of team options after the first three seasons. That’s the window for this Bears team.
They extended Brandon Marshall and have another superstar receiver in the making in Alshon Jeffery. Matt Forte is a Pro Bowl caliber back, but there’s a lot of mileage on the tires. Martellus Bennett is underrated as a tight end.
The offensive line returns all 5 starters including a former Pro Bowl left tackle in Jermon Bushrod and a pair of youngsters on the right side including Kyle Long, who made the Pro Bowl as a rookie in 2013.
Everything is in place. This is Cutler’s team and it’s his time to shine. Jay Cutler is a 20-1 shot for NFL MVP. I wonder if Coach Billick is putting his money where his mouth is?