In the Chicago Bears’ Week 2 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, starting quarterback Jay Cutler suffered a hamstring injury that held him out for the entire second half. Cutler’s injury came at a terrible time, because he had the Bears’ offense rolling, looking extremely comfortable and confident in offensive coordinator Adam Gase’s offensive scheme.
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Back-up Jimmy Clausen entered the game in relief of Cutler, and the offense immediately stumbled. Clausen looked completely overwhelmed on the field, competing 14 of 23 passes for 121 yards and an interception. Clausen’s numbers look alright, but he almost exclusive threw conservative passes in the flat. Nearly every time Clausen looked to make a play downfield, the result was less than desired.
Now, Cutler’s injury does not appear to be overly serious, but he is expected to miss at least two weeks. The Bears’ offense will obviously take a huge hit in the loss of Cutler, making many wonder if they even have a chance to complete without him. With a leaky defense, the Bears were already behind the eight ball, now they lose their starting quarterback? Things might get ugly.
Sep 20, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) leaves the playing field with an apparent injury during the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
This is an organization that is coming off of a 5-11 season, and have dealt with nothing but bad luck since the start of this season. Head coach John Fox and his staff seem to have a strong plan in place, but the talent and depth is simply not there on this Bears’ squad. It may be harsh, but this does not look anything like a team that will compete this season.
In order to get any value out of this season, the Bears need to find out what they actually have on their roster. It is time to let the kids play. Cutler’s absence is the perfect opportunity to let an unknown sink or swim. The Bears have seen enough of Clausen to know that he is not the quarterback of the future. However, perhaps second-year quarterback David Fales can be that guy?
First of all, I want to point out that Fales becoming a viable starting option for the Bears is unlikely. That being said, with Cutler out and the team seemingly going nowhere, they might as well see what they have in the young guy.
Fales was drafted by the Bears in the sixth round of the 2014 NFL Draft, and spent his entire rookie season on the practice squad. He was relatively impressive during training camp and the pre season this year, most notably an impressive showing in the Bears’ final pre season game against the Cleveland Browns.
There are plenty of questions about Fales’ game, but he at least has some upside and unknown attached to him.
The Bears are not in a position to compete this season, so they have to use this opportunity to evaluate as many young players as possible in-game scenarios. Starting Clausen to replace Cutler does absolutely nothing for the future of this franchise. Starting Fales at least lets you know what you have in the young quarterback.
If he impresses, great! Perhaps you have found your franchise quarterback. If he falls flat on his face, there is nothing lost. You move on and forget about Fales.
When the Bears travel to the great Northwest this Sunday to take on the Seattle Seahawks, David Fales needs to be the quarterback leading the offense onto the field. Anything else is simply a waste of time.
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