Chicago Bears QB Situation Seems to Be Set for 2016
In the past, the quarterback position was something that the Chicago Bears could never solidify. Before the arrival of Jay Cutler in 2009, the Bears had nearly 20 different starting quarterbacks, dating back to 1994. Once Cutler moved to the Windy City, the No. 1 QB spot was set in stone, but everything behind that was always blowing in the wind. Now, it appears that Chicago finally has their corps of signal callers exactly how they want them, at least for the 2016 season.
Coming off his best season since his 2008 Pro Bowl year, Cutler will definitely be the Bears’ starter going into the regular season. As for the backups, there’s a good chance that Brian Hoyer and the newly acquired Connor Shaw will round out Chicago’s group of quarterbacks. There still is the possibility of David Fales and undrafted rookie Dalyn Williams proving their worth for a roster spot, but their inexperience will weigh heavily against them.
More from Chicago Bears News
- Franchise tag and transition tag windows open for Chicago Bears and NFL
- How the Chicago Bears can control the running back market in 2023
- The Chicago Bears can own the city of Chicago moving forward
- Chicago Bears NFL Combine Preview: Quarterback
- 7 best free agent tackle options for Chicago Bears
The Bears signing Hoyer to a one-year contract this offseason pretty much sends the message that he’ll be the primary backup to Cutler. Hoyer is by far the most experienced of the quarterbacks behind Cutler, having started 26 games in his first seven years in the NFL. Having a connection with Bears offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains during their days with the Cleveland Browns will only work in Hoyer’s favor. Loggains was the Browns’ quarterbacks coach in 2014.
As for Shaw, he doesn’t have the experience that Hoyer has. However, just like Hoyer, Shaw is familiar with Loggains, having played under him in Cleveland. In addition to having a bond with Loggains, Shaw also has a kinship with wide receiver Alshon Jeffery. Both Shaw and Jeffery played together at the University of South Carolina.
This scenario apparently leaves Fales and Williams on the outside looking in. Fales was already waived in 2014, only to be brought back and placed on the practice squad. The fact that Fales is not a player hand selected by general manager Ryan Pace could give a better indication that he’s on his way out the door. Looking at the situation for Williams, his best shot at sticking with the Bears is probably the practice squad.
So when the smoke clears at the start of the regular season, expect Cutler, Hoyer, and Shaw to make up the depth chart for the Bears. This group could be by far the most stable group of QBs Chicago has had in a very long time. Don’t get me wrong, the Bears’ backups could always be better. However, fans should feel more comfortable than usual seeing that the arms behind Cutler are more reliable, and that the rapport with the QBs and Loggains is pretty tight.