Chicago Bears Lukewarm Moving Forward with Jay Cutler as Quarterback
Nov 16, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) fumbles the ball against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Like the tuck rule, the Chicago Bears will move forward with Jay Cutler as their quarterback in 2015. The Bears weren’t willing to commit to Cutler at the Scouting Combine, but after reviewing every inch of tape (do they still use tape?) John Fox and Ryan Pace were finally ready to say they’re going with Cutler:
"“It was a lot of tape evaluation going forward in the different systems that he’s been in,” Pace said. “We’ve watched not just this past year; we’ve gone way back evaluating Jay to the moment he came in the league. This was a real thorough process with a lot of people involved … We feel good about where we’re at with him right now and we’re comfortable going forward with him as our quarterback.”"
Ryan Pace wouldn’t cop to the idea that he tried to trade the albatross:
"“A lot of these things are internal, guys, but no, those things never occurred,” he said. “Jay is our quarterback, and that’s what we’re doing, that’s what we’re looking forward to and I’d just like to keep it at that.”"
If you believe that, I’ve got some modestly priced beachfront property I’d like to interest you in. Sheesh. I hope Pace is a better liar than that or he’s not going to make a very good GM.
Wednesday afternoon was supposed to be about introducing Pernell McPhee, but the buzz after the presser was all about Jay. What else is new? What is new is the way the new administration is talking about Cutler. Pace named Cutler the starter, but head coach John Fox had a slightly different take:
"“We made the commitment,” Fox said. “Time will tell for all of us. We haven’t even been on the grass yet. I’ve watched Jay compete in the past. We gained a lot of information. Moving forward I think there’s a talent level there obviously we feel good enough to explore. Like all our players, everybody will get a chance to compete and see how we perform. That’s the exciting part about this.”"
While other coaches have heaped praise on Cutler, the John Fox sounded like someone who’s seen this movie before:
"“I think the biggest thing for me is, is a guy willing to work?” Fox said. “If a guy will work at it, he can get better. If a guy’s not willing to work at it, he’s not getting better. In this league you don’t stay the same. You’re either getting better or you’re getting worse. So what I saw and learned of him is intelligence. He’s willing to work at it. So I think he’s capable of improving.”"
I could see Cutler rolling his eyes somewhere off in the distance.
Instead of building Cutler up with their comments, it’s almost as if they were breaking him down, bringing him back down to Earth. That’s hardly how you’d approach your franchise quarterback. Is Cutler a franchise quarterback? His paycheck would certainly indicate it, but whether you believe it or not, 31 other teams didn’t think he’s worth the money he’s being paid.
Pace and Fox sounded like a guy who knocked up his girlfriend and are trying to do right by her. “We’re stuck with each other, so we might as well get hitched and try to make the best of this.”
"“I don’t think so. This is a new group that’s come in together. New general manager, new head coach, new coaches. And I think that this was just a process for us all. So I don’t feel like there’s any fence mending (needed). He understood the process we were going through. And we’re excited together going forward.”"
Somewhere, a McCaskey is cursing Phil Emery. Can we fire him again, just for kicks?