Chicago Bears 2015 Position Preview: QB

Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

#2 QB

Jimmy Clausen:

When Jay Cutler was benched in week 16, Jimmy Clausen got a chance to start his first game since 2010. Considering that Clausen got his start against the Detroit Lions, who has one of the most dangerous defensive lines in the NFL and a top 5 overall defense, his performance was pretty impressive. Clausen completed 23 of 39 passes for 181 yards, 2 TDs, and 1 INT in a losing effort (20-14). Unfortunately for Clausen, he suffered a concussion during the game and missed his chance to start the Bears week 17 match-up vs the Vikings.

Barring a pre-season trade or an amazing pre-season by either David Fales or Shane Carden, Clausen should start the 2015 season as the Bears #2 QB. After being selected in the 2nd round of the 2010 draft, Clausen was put in a no-win situation as a rookie QB on a very bad Panthers team. Predictably, Clausen struggled to a 1-9 record as a starter, but the team only won one other game without him so it’s not like Clausen was the only problem.

The Panthers selected Cam Newton first overall in 2011 and that was it for Clausen. He didn’t help his cause by getting hurt on and off for the next few seasons, but it was really a no-win scenario for Clausen. He has enough arm talent to be an NFL QB but has never been put in a situation with a reasonable chance of success. I think Clausen has more upside than he is given credit for and at worst will be a serviceable backup for the Bears this year if Cutler struggles or gets injured.