For now, Hoyer deserves to start for Bears over Cutler
Oct 2, 2016 19:59:33 GMT -6
riczaj01 likes this
Post by JABF on Oct 2, 2016 19:59:33 GMT -6
Looks like the Bears have a QB controversy on top of everything else.
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For now, Brian Hoyer deserves to start for Bears over Jay Cutler
CHICAGO -- Maybe Chicago Bears coach John Fox was telling the truth after all.
Fox raised eyebrows Monday when he refused to anoint Jay Cutler the starter when his thumb injury heals. But after Brian Hoyer (28-of-36 for 302 yards and two touchdowns) directed the offense in Sunday's 17-14 victory over the Detroit Lions, the Bears may be better off with Cutler on the sideline for now.
However, you cannot pin all of the Bears' woes on Cutler.
Cutler played behind a leaky offensive line -- particularly in the opener at Houston -- and without the benefit of a running game before hurting his thumb in that game. That was also the case against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Bears only truly established the ground attack when rookie Jordan Howard, who had 111 rushing yards Sunday, replaced Jeremy Langford (ankle sprain) in Week 4. And keep in mind, the Lions' defense is poor.
What cannot be disputed is that Cutler did not run the offense well prior to his injury.
Over seven quarters, Cutler guided the offense to 25 total first downs. He also committed three turnovers.
Compare that to Hoyer, who in about nine quarters has helped the Bears move the chains 49 times and has one turnover this season.
Hoyer, 30, is not the future. The Bears must solve their quarterback dilemma in the offseason, when Cutler's contract becomes non-guaranteed. Chicago can open up $13 million in cap space if they trade or release Cutler before the 2017 season begins, but in order to do so they have to find a suitable replacement.
For the time being, the Bears' goal is to pile up victories, and Hoyer played a key role in the team picking up its first win of the year.
Forget about the playoffs. The Bears want to show steady growth from here on out. They could conceivably be 3-3 when they travel to Lambeau Field for a Thursday night showdown with the Green Bay Packers on Oct. 20.
Next week's opponent is a hot mess. The Indianapolis Colts (1-3) dropped a brutal game Sunday to the Jacksonville Jaguars in London and now have to turn around -- jet-lagged and ragged -- to host the Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium. NFL teams used to have their bye week after the London trip, but not this season. That's a scheduling quirk the Bears should exploit.
The Jaguars then pay a visit to Soldier Field. The Bears have to consider that a winnable game.
Hoyer did enough to earn another start. The days of Cutler having enough clout inside the organization to force himself back on the field -- ready or not -- are probably over. Don't expect another Josh McCown situation circa 2013. Fox's comments reinforced that new reality in Lake Forest.
For now, Brian Hoyer deserves to start for Bears over Jay Cutler
CHICAGO -- Maybe Chicago Bears coach John Fox was telling the truth after all.
Fox raised eyebrows Monday when he refused to anoint Jay Cutler the starter when his thumb injury heals. But after Brian Hoyer (28-of-36 for 302 yards and two touchdowns) directed the offense in Sunday's 17-14 victory over the Detroit Lions, the Bears may be better off with Cutler on the sideline for now.
However, you cannot pin all of the Bears' woes on Cutler.
Cutler played behind a leaky offensive line -- particularly in the opener at Houston -- and without the benefit of a running game before hurting his thumb in that game. That was also the case against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Bears only truly established the ground attack when rookie Jordan Howard, who had 111 rushing yards Sunday, replaced Jeremy Langford (ankle sprain) in Week 4. And keep in mind, the Lions' defense is poor.
What cannot be disputed is that Cutler did not run the offense well prior to his injury.
Over seven quarters, Cutler guided the offense to 25 total first downs. He also committed three turnovers.
Compare that to Hoyer, who in about nine quarters has helped the Bears move the chains 49 times and has one turnover this season.
Hoyer, 30, is not the future. The Bears must solve their quarterback dilemma in the offseason, when Cutler's contract becomes non-guaranteed. Chicago can open up $13 million in cap space if they trade or release Cutler before the 2017 season begins, but in order to do so they have to find a suitable replacement.
For the time being, the Bears' goal is to pile up victories, and Hoyer played a key role in the team picking up its first win of the year.
Forget about the playoffs. The Bears want to show steady growth from here on out. They could conceivably be 3-3 when they travel to Lambeau Field for a Thursday night showdown with the Green Bay Packers on Oct. 20.
Next week's opponent is a hot mess. The Indianapolis Colts (1-3) dropped a brutal game Sunday to the Jacksonville Jaguars in London and now have to turn around -- jet-lagged and ragged -- to host the Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium. NFL teams used to have their bye week after the London trip, but not this season. That's a scheduling quirk the Bears should exploit.
The Jaguars then pay a visit to Soldier Field. The Bears have to consider that a winnable game.
Hoyer did enough to earn another start. The days of Cutler having enough clout inside the organization to force himself back on the field -- ready or not -- are probably over. Don't expect another Josh McCown situation circa 2013. Fox's comments reinforced that new reality in Lake Forest.
