Post by Deleted on Aug 26, 2016 11:18:35 GMT -6
Bears' backup QBs under heightened scrutiny with injuries to offensive line
Brad BiggsContact ReporterChicago Tribune
With the Bears preparing to piece together their offensive line as the regular season quickly approaches, it's worth considering the protection that will be provided for Jay Cutler.
The 33-year-old quarterback has proven to be a quick healer throughout his career but he hasn't started 16 games since 2009, his first season with the Bears. Cutler missed one game last year after pulling a hamstring in a Week 2 loss to the Cardinals though initially it was thought he would be sidelined longer.
The one game Cutler did miss was an unmitigated disaster at Seattle as the Jimmy Clausen-led offense ran only three plays in Seahawks' territory and punted on all 10 possessions of a 26-0 loss. It was the first time the Bears had been shut out in 13 years.
Certainly, the Bears hope they will not be so handicapped in the event Cutler is sidelined this season. But there's a step down, often a steep one, for every team that must turn to its backup. There's reason to be concerned if the Bears miss Cutler for any extended period. Moreover, no one is saying right now when three-time Pro Bowl right guard Kyle Long, his most decorated blocker, will be back from a labrum injury in one of his shoulders.
The Texans might have defensive end J.J. Watt back for the Sept. 11 opener. Watt, who remains on the physically unable to perform list, had a microdiscectomy to repair a herniated disc in late July and reportedly will return to practice next week. The three-time NFL defensive player of the year has not missed a game in his career and has 69 sacks in his last 64.
Cutler has missed 15 games over the last six seasons and that turns the conversation to the quarterbacks behind him on the depth chart — Brian Hoyer, Connor Shaw and David Fales. The Bears figure to carry only two quarterbacks on the 53-man roster and they guaranteed Hoyer $750,000 in the $2 million, one-year contract he signed after the draft. Shaw and Fales are both eligible for the practice squad.
Hoyer has been unimpressive in two preseason games with a 34.4 passer rating, completing 11 of 24 passes for 166 yards with two interceptions.
Much of Hoyer's work in practice and preseason has been conducted with the backups. Thrown into a situation where he has to fill in, he will have a better line in front of him and more skilled targets. But the eighth-yearveteran has spent a lot of time in this position in his career and he's not using it as an excuse.
"Those are the guys I am working with in practice," he said. "You just go out and try to make plays and get the ball moving."
Hoyer has appeared sharper in practice this week after an often bumpy training camp. If coach John Fox is concerned about the presumed No. 2, he's not letting on.
"He's getting more comfortable," Fox said. "May I remind everybody he's going into his third preseason game ever with the Chicago Bears. So I think with time and practice and even preseason games there becomes more of a comfort level and we're still engaged in that."
Hoyer, who has 26 career starts including 22 over the last two seasons with the Browns and Texans, was familiar with many concepts in the playbook having spent time with offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains in Cleveland. Shaw also was with the Browns and Loggains and that's why he was claimed off waivers July 1.
Shaw has completed 6 of 10 passes for 59 yards with a 22-yard touchdown he heaved up to B.J. Daniels on the final play last Thursday at New England. He has run for 27 yards on four carries and that's part of what makes him intriguing. Shaw is mobile and can make a play with his legs.
Connor Shaw
Shaw has made one start, in his only NFL appearance with the Browns in 2014, and Fales has not appeared in a regular-season game.
It probably would be a stretch to believe Shaw or Fales can push Hoyer for that No. 2 spot. There will be plenty of snaps for Hoyer in the second half Saturday against the Chiefs and then Thursday when the coaching staff divides the reps between the backups against the Browns in Cleveland.
Hoyer can steady concerns with a more even showing.
"It's a new game," he said. "Go out and play better."
bmbiggs@chicagotribune.com
Twitter @bradbiggs
