Alaskan Grizzly

Funny how history repeats itself and we find ourselves talking about McCown in the positive light....again

One positive: Lions are down (so far) to Pitt

Wouldn't be so sure that Reed paired back up with Ryan is "done". Only time will tell. IMHO, the Jets made a good move.

I have always been a fan of Reed's. Playability or no, I think he could contribute if for nothing else as a veteran in a rapidly depleting defense. And for what it's worth, I think the only coach he really 'threw under the bus' was Interim HC Phillips. I think it safe to say Phillips really isn't all that great a coach. Recall his years with Dallas? Reed probably wasn't all that far off in his "out coached" statement. I just think the timing was really bad....with Kubiak down and Phillps' dad Bum passing the week before. A lot of raw nerves there. So the question to ask, would a team be responsible for any or all of the remaining years on Reed's three year deal? 15 million total? I think Houston is on the hook for this year, which would help Chicago but perhaps I'm way off(???)

I would have to ask some of the same questions as some of the comments. How about Ed Reed (at safety) or Asohmgua? Would either cost too much? Not as enthused by Reed now that it appears he's at the tail end of career but would he be better than Conte?

Nice link. It does indeed break down the play and allow you to see what transpired. I remember during the game saying that if there four guys in the area of Bennett, someone somewhere had to be open. Sure enough at the top is Forte waiting for what would have been an easy screen play and score. Marshall and Jeffery are locked on their coverage so they could of blocked those players. The only real free player looked to be the SLB (or NB cant quite tell) which easily could have been blocked by Long. This play epitomizes the bad issues (see habits) with Cutler and his gunslinger mentality. Thusly his propensity to the turnover, especially in the red zone.

Well you answered the question about how well Osweiller can run the offense in Manning's absence. The answer is 'unknown'. Not the same issue in Chicago. As far as playing for a bye in the playoffs versus being in the playoffs, I would ask Manning if he thinks its worth his long term health to decide that answer. Since they (Denver) are probably going to be in the playoffs regardless of how they do against KC, then if I were advising him the option it would be to sit. But being the NFL, its a business, they (KC) are a rival, they are doing well....then Manning probably plays. Chicago was playing for 1st place in the division and a playoff spot so having Cutler start, if he was able, made sense. However it was apparent pretty early that he couldn't sustain it. ..... Instead you put your backup in a difficult place (with only two mins to play and down by 8) to produce. Would have been nice for him to at least have the opportunity to come in and get some of the kinks worked out before being put in that predicament.

The question should be asked, who is Manning's back up and how well does he run the offense in his absence? Are they (Broncos) playing for playoff positioning vs just getting in the playoffs? Or because they want to just beat the Chiefs? I agree, to an extent, if a player is cleared to play he should play. But there are exceptions already out there (Vick in Philly and Schaub in Houston) where the backups are doing a better job, so they are listed "day to day" or not playing..... or whatever creative excuse they come up with to keep the backup playing. Anyhow, during the game against the Lions the announcer "Moose" Johnson noted that Jay was having trouble moving during half time warmups. I saw the same thing and wondered, as did Johnson, why not allow McCown to play the second half? As Johnson would go on to say later, McCown has not played in such a manner that the staff should question his ability in sustaining the game (if not win it). Couldn't have agreed more.

Sorry but a handful of us said he (McCown) should have started yesterday. So maybe it was Friday night QBing instead (or whatever the antonym is).

Incognito is a cancer. I'm sorry he played in Nebraska.

As much as I have banged on the team for the losses of Lovie and Urlacher, I think they may have done well with Mr Trestman. I'll be the first to admit that he's starting to grow on me. I especially appreciate his unwavering calm and demeanor during the time of crisis. I think about a week or so ago Cutler commented on the same thing. While he was standing on the sidelines during the GB game he was impressed with how calm Trestman was. This is a profound statement coming from Jay in that I think he has put a lot of faith and trust into the coaching staff. Maybe, just maybe with Trestman letting Cutler play as long as he did proved that Trestman was right (assuming he said something during the game) and in the future Cutler is more apt to listen to the advice. All that as it was, I think yesterday's game was one of those deals where no matter what the team was going to lose. I mean really (like Trestman pointed out) in the fourth quarter the Bears scored two TD's without getting any points. One being called back for a holding call (I mean really, how many penalties did Detroit get away with and this Slauson's reach thing resulted in a flag?) and the call with Jeffery going to the ground and not getting credit for his catch. That call reversal epitomizes why it is I hate the NFL as it is today. But the way it is yesterday's game is what it is and its done now. I think we as fans, they as players and more importantly, Coach Trestman all learned something yesterday.

If you read yours and 50 England's commentary it would have indicated your questioning of whether we, as Chicago fans, had the meddle to know whether our team and or players were any good. Asking if "we" were the "stupidest" fans and daring us to challenge the players to play (by your comments). We as fans may not "win" championships, but we DO know winners (and whiners for that matter) when we see them.

The same fan base who's city has a championship in each of the major sporting events; World Series Titles, NBA Championships, Stanley Cups and NFL Championships (notice I pluralized them). Where else can that be said? We really suck. And one final thought on Jay. With his injury perhaps he'll be more P. Manning or Brady like in that he'll be less mobile. More forced to read the field. Just a thought.

....and throw in the fact that if it does in fact cost the game, it loses the chance of first place in the division and solid ground for making the playoffs. C'mon Jay, don't fail us now.

With one exception being Rich Gannon.

Didn't think that, nor do I believe it. In this regard (bolded) you are referring to just the two sample games you chose right? Not the Minny or Det games where he committed three turnovers in each. You would definitely not be in the minority, but I guess not only can you call "moronic" but a "silly" one at that. One last disclaimer before I part: I hope all the best for Jay. I hope he puts up pro-bowl worthy numbers for the rest of the season. Along with that I expect turnovers....SOME turnovers, not many. I hope Jay gets the contract he deserves, with the Bears. And I hope they are able to bring back Josh for the next couple years in his relief. I have seen what Josh can do, and that comforts me. Because IF Jay does fail, we have someone we can rely on to pick up the pieces.

To quote the infamous words uttered by Admiral Isaroku Yamamoto: "I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant." Maybe I should have left well enough alone because now I fear a whole new debate on how effective Webb continues to be, despite he being on the illustrious Minnesota Vikings. But I digress.... Oh SCS, lest we forget that Cutler was hurt against that very same (and venerable) Defense of Washington you mock. And where not only was he hurt, but before McCown took over, he threw an interception for a direct score. One game does not a season make. And through all this tongue in cheek commentary of yours you forget that McCown did beat the Packers...at Lambeau field...against a normally stout Packers D....who are coordinated by Dom Capers (one of the highest regarded D coordinators in the NFL). But I know, none of that matters.

Or similar to how some might insist J'Marcus Webb was NFL caliber? I don't see the comparison you illustrate but as they say in France; C'est la vie. I agree with you. Perhaps this 'debate' would be put to rest. On the other hand, it may have only perpetuated it. But.......if for no other reason than to keep Cutler healthy, I would rather he (Cutler) wait it out another week. My fingers and toes will be crossed that not only will he excel, but he will stay healthy doing it.

I half expected to get this news (SMC statsus) from Terra Tor, but in jubilation.

Perhaps (bolded) but now I hear McClellin is 'doubtful' for Sunday due to a hammy injury....of course. Anyhow, have to say I don't like the coach in the booth. What does he need to see? He needs to be able to talk to the group as a whole and each individual and find where things aren't working or where they are. They have all those polaroids to see what's going on if he really needs to see from the bird's eye perspective. Coaching is being in the dirt with the guys....or as close as they can be....and work directly with the emotion of the game. Not sitting in the booth doing what I call "Xboxing it".

This is pretty much my point (bolded). You take the 7 (or so games) that Cutler played, in this system and PROGRESSIVELY got better (minus two games with multiple turnovers). However you take a "backup/high school football coach" and insert him and he INSTANTLY showed postive results. I don't care if it was 1.5 to Cutler's 7, that's in fact the issue. Cutler has had MORE opportunity this year to prove himself and should be doing what McCown did in 1.5 games, not 7. Also, some will say Cutler played against "better teams" and "better defenses", I counter with "he's allegedly a top tier QB, he should be that much better". And this is so very true. That being McCown can do what he can do in a shorter span is going to weigh heavily on Cutler's performance. Cutler is Cutler. He has many bad habits that will be showcased, hopefully not, but when he makes that first interception or fumbles that ball....people are going to start wondering 'what would McCown be doing right now'?

Dont have a lot to say on the subject other than to say I like the idea of him being on the sideline. I was reading a Q/A session with Larry Meyer said he did it due to having two rookies in at LB. Although they didn't show anything special most of the rest of the D did. I understand that Coach Tucker intends to be down their again this week. Better production by the D because their coach is actually on the sideline = coincidence? We shall see.

Interesting, this doesn't sound all that dissimilar to what happened to Urlacher last year. Hardball is a game they are quite familiar with.

Hmmm...so you're trying to convince me that if McCown were to continue to play and play well that Cutler's contract discussions would not be affected at all by said performance? I would concede that you make a valid point to the physical health concerns and that being the case puts Cutler in a "damned if he does, damed if he doesn't" situation. But he has a lot to lose in both scenarios.

Ah come on. Its as clear as day. Sure Jay is a competitor but each day that McCown plays and plays successfully is a day less that Cutler can try and prove his worth to the team. And give himself the leverage he may want going into negotiations. McCown may not be a direct 'threat' per se, but he is making it easier to see how well Trestman's system (if it is that) can work with the right operator in place.