Has Josh McCown Done Enough to Remain Under Center for Bears in 2014?
Published by Ross Read on November 29, 2013
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
Josh McCown has been a hot topic in Chicago and around the NFL this season.
His strong play at quarterback in relief of injured Jay Cutler has kept the Bears in playoff contention. Considering that Cutler is about to become a free agent, what should the Bears do at quarterback in the offseason? Should McCown get a shot to be the starter next season?
It is true that McCown has played well since replacing Cutler in Week 7 against the Redskins. His sample size of play has been good, but in no way should he dethrone Cutler as the starter this season or next.
Cutler provides the Bears and this offense an additional development that McCown can’t bring to the table. Cutler’s physical talents allow the Bears to be more explosive on offense.
As good as McCown and the Chicago offense has been, they are still limited without Cutler. Lost with McCown under center is the ability for the offense to push the envelope. Explosive plays are non-existent under McCown.
McCown has shown that he can keep Chicago afloat in a muddled NFC for a couple of games, but if the Bears want to beat Tony Romo, Nick Foles and possibly Aaron Rodgers down the stretch, they will need Cutler.
Chicago’s 42-21 loss to St. Louis was a perfect example. The Bears have taken a step back on defense and need to not only keep their offense on the field, but to also score as many touchdowns as possible.
Allow the games to rack up for McCown this season and you will see defenses begin to close in on him. The Rams made him very uncomfortable and he didn’t look as sharp under duress.
It’s understandable not to be fully convinced about Cutler long term. He’s had a hard time of staying healthy and at 30-years-old, he’s yet to take the next step in his career.
The smart decision by the Bears would be to franchise Cutler and bring in a fresh face for a backup.
There’s nothing wrong with giving Cutler some healthy competition. There will be slim pickings via free agency where Michael Vick and Josh Freeman will head the group. If the Bears can bring back McCown at a good price, then that’s the obvious smart move.
The real competition should come from the college ranks. Before giving Cutler a long-term deal, it would be wise to draft a kid in the middle rounds.
Bears head coach Marc Trestman has been known to develop quarterbacks and could find a diamond in the rough in Round 4 of the draft.
Jimmy Garoppolo is a lesser-known quarterback out of Eastern Illinois. He has been very efficient with the football and could do well in Trestman’s offense. He should be on the board in the third or fourth round.
McCown has been a blessing in disguise for the Bears. Without him the team, would be in complete disarray. Still, don’t translate what he’s done in a short time to him all of a sudden being the quarterback of the future for the Bears.
Cutler should be the starter under center to start next season. If McCown can come back as the backup, then there absolutely should be a viable rookie option on the roster as well.
The question is, will we be having this same conversation again this time next year?
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