Alaskan Grizzly

Couldn't agree more. But I just asked to mentally prepare myself (and stock up on something with a higher proof) for what to expect on week 17. Especially if GB wins this weekend as well as Chicago. Of course the question is; Rodgers has been out for quite awhile now and he too should fall prey to rust and inactivity. But would a beaten up Rodgers be better/worse than an upsurging Matt Flynn? Could make for a VERY interesting (stressful) week 17 matchup. Easiest thing to do at this point is hope that Pittsburgh really wants to make the playoffs. Enough that they put a beat down on the "hatred". Then all my concerns and the above commmentary is moot. And I can drink a simple beer.

Roger that. Wow, who knew that SMC could have been such a determiniing factor in the NFC North race? Terra, what say you?

That is encouraging. Good to hear indeed. Any word on Rodgers? I heard they were going to try and determine today. Just thinking ahead to week 17.

What's good should be good for the gander (bolded). McCown has played with that same crap D. In fact, many here have said that the D was better early in the season, when Jay was playing, before they lost several of their key players. So.....in reality it's McCown that has had he benefit (or detriment) of playing with a bad D, thus putting pressure on HIM to perform. And by not making the comparison to an "all time great" but instead to a former HS Football coach, I found that in 8 games (counting Detroit #2) Cutler threw 13 TDs to 8 INTs and fumbled the ball 3 times. Where McC (in 7 games) did 13 TDs to 1 Int and 1 Fumb. That perhaps measures the "wildly out of control" you are referring to. I think pretty highly of McCown too, especially given from where he started. But looking at pure "distibution" in the games that both McCown and Cutler played with Marshall and Jeffery as the primary WR's. In the first 8 games (predominately Cutler) Marshall had 46 receptions to 38 with McCown. Whereas Jeffery had 33 receptions in the same sample to 42 with McCown. Almost a literal swap. Is that because AJ improved or because McCown does better at surveying the field? So let's look at this last week. Cutler targeted BM 13 times to AJ's 5 (one of which was the 'hail mary' reception). Of those numbers 9 were caught by Marshall in the first half and 3 by Jeffery. The rest (4 / 2) were in the second half. What does that tell me? It tells me that we are confirmed that Cutler was looking like his old self in the first half by trying too much to hit BM. He seemed to spread it around more in the second half. Why? One can only speculate but my guess is he either figured it our or was told to. Again using the Cleveland game as a simple measuring stick I would say I agree that Cutler is "improving". Not sure how well but the next two games will better determine what to do with him next.

I think you hit on some valid points. Those being, is Cutler capable of playing outside his 'norm'? I think we got a pretty good taste of it this last week with his 1st half vs 2nd half performances. As one analyst pointed out, Cutler is notorious for slow starts and probably one of the higher rated quarterbacks in the last two (especially the 4th) periods. The 1st half showcased some of his old habits mixed in with some rust. He threw to BM almost on each and every pass play. He forced it (in my opinion) a few too many times and it paid in turnovers. However, he came back in the second half with less rust and more patience. He started looking over the field and realized there were other recievers on the field besides Brandon. If that was a meausre of what he is capable of, I'm hopeful (not confident) that he can continue the trend. In order for me to be completely (or as close as I can this year) sold on him being able to adapt, I would need for him to be able to maintain that play for the next two games. Then we would find our team in the playoffs and Cutler would most certainly earn himself some leverage in the contract negotiations. Whatever you do, don't EVER tell Cracker that he is completely right.

So how about the second Detroit game where McCown very nearly pulled out a win after Cutler sat? And in that game against Washington I believe McCown did everything he could to win the game, it was due to the defense not being able to stop Washington that lost that game. However wasn't it you (or someone did at least) that pointed out the defense was in better shape when Cutler was playing? Tillman, Melton, Collins and Briggs were all playing so he should have benefited from that counter. Since the point was also made that the line has progressed in the season than so theoretically did McCown benefit from that. Again, the point being made is that since Cutler is better (in your opinion - stats aside) and by many considered a "Franchise QB" he should have a better overall rating. Regardless the opponent and their defensive status. If for nothing else worthy of a large contract extension.

Which part, the offseason? Sorry... Couldn't resist. Anyone hear about Briggs' status? Not sure Tillman not coming back is such a big deal. But IF Briggs were to return and with the apparent emergence of Ratliff, things may not be all bad. If I'm not mistaken Tillman was ruled on short-term IR (whatever they call it) and was ruled out until the playoffs when he first hurt his arm. This really isn't groundbreaking. If the team makes the playoffs and if Tillman were to return then it would be noteworthy.

So the first question I have is which one of those were the game where McCown relieved Cutler? Because his (McCowns) STARTING record this year is 3-2 and you have six groupings there. The second point is if one of this is where he relieved him it wasn't until late in the game where he very nearly pulled off a comeback win. The last point to be made is that despite the opposition McCown has maintained the top QBR. Would he had he started the rest of those games? Never know but we do know where Cutlers rank was based and it's not first.

Problem was Jeffrey was streaking down the sideline with single coverage. There were a minimum of two defenders on BM. That's the part that is frustrating.

Jay redeemed himself...a little bit... With that TD. But yes it seems he hasn't heard that Alshon is having a good year. Hopefully he'll come back in half 2 with some better confidence and less rust and more trust in the other players on the team.

huh?

The one question many have not considered is how will Cutlers return affect Alshons game? That int helped answer that. A throw to BM in double coverage while AJ had single coverage. Welcome back Mr Hyde

Although it may seem minuscule in nature it might be important to point out that McCown has done nothing to lose those games. I might also point out that McCown very nearly won two games where Cutler was losing (WAsh and Det #2). When you're trying to keep ahead of sieve defense you're going to lose ground. This conversation would not be fair if we didn't include that Jay contributed to some or his loses. With two games of multiple (3) turnovers each, these things happen. And, since many will say Jay didn't have the oline then that McCown does now but the same could be said for the defense. Many here have pointed it out and they're right. I wouldn't say Trestman and Emery are "sold" on Cutler just yet. Today will go a long way towards his (Cutler) stock rising or falling.

Awesome!!! Thank you for sharing! Should've knocked that guys hat off outside Ditka's. Haha. If you haven't been able to get the game on video yet you might try iTunes. Sometimes you can download full games from there. Just a thought.

I would give you two thumbs up and a snap in a Z formation...however I think the team can make a Super Bowl with Cutler. Now 'win' a Super Bowl with him? Meh. For what it's worth I also think the team could make a Super Bowl with McCown, so there is that.

Dp

Two thumbs up.

I would wonder aloud how does one explain the chaos in Washington? Is it because RGIII isn't really a good QB or because Shanny mismanaged him? I know you never explained your earlier response where you quoted me as saying Cutler is a mobile QB and thusly could be culbable for his mounting injuries because of it. Why don't you explain that so I can come up with some sort of response? Anyhow and in the meantime, I'll offer you this. When watching the game this weekend count how many times Cutler "truly steps up into the pocket" or does he bail or scramble? Look to see how many times he chooses to go mobile instead of surveying the field in the cover of the pocket. Ask yourself what would Josh have done? How many turnovers does Jay commit or near commit? My "guess" is that he is going to do one of two things; he's going to revert to his 'old habits' and scramble when he feels pressure....not that there is necessarily pressure. Or....he will stand in the pocket and be as effective...or better...than McCown has. Which means he's learning. Before you offer the excuse of his having to be mobile because of the previous admins/lines (of which you painfuly outlined) Cutler was hurt this year while this line was playing.

I think the "coulda, shoulda, didn't" priciple applies here. Not sure I totally agree with your thoughts on McCown but you're right, 'this is the internet'. Be that as it may, the difference between the two is that one is a "Franchise, elite-status (potentially) QB" the other, an off the street backup.

Unfiortunately that won't "shut them up". Him playing really well will only perpetuate (if not worsen) the "who will the QB be going forward" debate? Especially in the off season. Jay is near virtually in a 'damned if he does, damned if he doesn't' situation. If he comes out and plays like crap them theoretically it'll make it easier on the team to decide what to do with him. And in light of the possibility in them "shopping him" already, that is unsettling.

It sounds to me like the market is already 'testing him' with the Titans firing the first volley. I get this feeling that the money will be available elsewhere if Jay wants it. Pretty certain the Bears won't/can't match what some of the other teams will offer. It will come down to Jay holding true to the "home town" deal he proposed before. And for what its worth, I'm still of the opinion that Emery's ego is large enough that if Jay's camp says he wants to do this or else...it'll be "or else".

Similar to how going into Detroit game 2 this year, Trestman could have said 'you know Jay, it was only a few weeks ago that you were hurt pretty good against Washington.' 'If you look like you're struggling, I'm going to pull you so Josh can go in there.' 'He's been doing good in helping out, so there is no need for you to make your injury worse'. But instead and when the second half started (it was obvious to anyone watching, Jay was in fact physically struggling) we hear: “I didn’t want to take (Cutler) out unless he felt he couldn’t do the job. I thought it was a very courageous performance throughout. And then at the end I took him out (only) because I knew he would have to run around in the two-minute drill.” (source: Toronto Sun). Yet this was after Cutler admitted that his play faded from the hot start that he had. Yet he wouldn't admit to it until almost 2 mins left in the game. I might add, dissimilar to your example, the team did/does have something to play for...this year. Which is that much more painfully obvious now that the Bears are tied with Detroit for playoff viability.

Mad, you sound like a jilted girlfriend. Don't overreact and say that I was suggesting that McCown is overall better than Brady. You need not protect his history. What I did say is that McCown could be better than Brady , if only for one game against one team. It was in response to SCR and in that context alone. But if for stats alone whether they be "lies" or no, McCown, at the moment, IS better than Brady.

But you also admitted that Baltimore and St Louis were decent defenses and Josh performed admirably in both games. You're talking about the same Cleveland Browns that lost to Jacksonville Jaguars (28-32)? I think Cleveland is the anti-thesis of what Chicago is. They have a dominant defense and crap offense. At least in the QB and RB role. Which should play to our team's favor. Remember that Denver also held Brady to zero scoring until the second half and they (Denver) still managed to lose so.... I will hold judgement on how well McCown is to Brady until he actually plays the game. If McCown produces better than did Brady then I will say 'yes' McCown is better, if only for a day. Isn't it true that McCown is trailing only P. Manning in QBR or some similar stat? In that regard, he is better.

To be fair, and perhaps play the "devil's advocate" wouldn't it be apt to judge him as the "Franchis QB" vs the "Backup starter" and be appropriately "burned" if he doesn't at least put up respectable numbers? Trestman actually may be the one that bears most of the burden for making a choice and sticking with it. Make no mistake, this story (outside of Halas Hall and the fans who do pay attention) makes for a dramatic QB controversy story.