Cutler Enjoys a Bear Market

Shortly after hearing the Chicago Bears acquired quarterback Jay Cutler from the Denver Broncos the thought of the Superfans flashed through my head.  They would approve with a chorus of “Daaaaaaaaaa Bears” and then Chris Farley would keel over.  Bill Swerski thinks it is another heart attack from consuming too much Polish Saaaahhhhsage but as it turns out he passes out in amazement that the Bears did the right thing.

You have to think back to the mid-1990s and Erik Kramer for the last good Chicago Bears QB.  He had a career 80.7 passer rating and set single season records  completions, attempts and yards.  Erik was a very good QB.  Before Erik was Jim McMahon.  Jim had an opportunity to be one of his generations greatest QBs.  Unfortunately for Jim injuries derailed him time and time again.  While he did do what no other Bears QB was able to, and that is lead his team to a Superbowl title, he will only go down as just another slightly above average QB.

The last “great” quarterback the Chicago Bears had was Sid Luckman.  Who?  Sid Luckman who led the Chicago Bears from 1939 to 1950.

Sid Luckman is a Hall of Fame QB.  Sid led the Chicago Bears to multiple World Championships, one was the record breaking 73-0 drubbing of the Washington Redskins.  He lined up under center as Bears QB for 128 games.  He led the league in passing three times and was league MVP in 1943.  In an era when offenses resembled rugby scrums, Sid set the standard for what the NFL would become.  Sid was a great QB.

After his retirement in 1950 the Chicago Bears have had to wait almost 60 years for the next potential great to come along.  Since then the Bears faithful have paid their hard earned money to come out and support the likes of an aging George Blanda, Rudy Bukich, Jack Concannon, Virgil Carter, Bobby Douglass, Mike Phipps, Bob Avellini, Vince Evans, Rusty Lisch, Greg Landry, Mike Tomczak, Jim Harbaugh, Doug Flutie, Peter Tom Willis, Will Furrer, Steve Walsh, Dave Kreig, the majorly disappointing Rick Mirer, Steve Stenstrom, Moses Moreno, Shane Matthews, Jim Miller, Cade McNown, Chris Chandler, Henry Burris, Kordell Stewart, Jonathan Quinn, Craig Krenzel, Chad Hutchison, Rex Grossman, Brian Griese and Kyle Orton.   In this collection of average to below average to men that should have chose another profession, only a few in that 58 years span did even a little better than “OK”.  Those QBs would be Billy Wade, Jim McMahon and Erik Kramer.  These guys weren’t that much better than the collection of stiffs I named above.  They happened to be around really good circumstances like the Monsters of the Midway D in 1963, the 46 D in 1985 and Turner’s pass happy offense of the mid-1990s.  In and of itself the Bears QB position has had a few great “moments” over the past 58 years but has been far from greatness.

Now the Bears find themselves in an interesting position.  They have a pretty talented defense, one of the best young runners in football and a tough special teams.  Bears GM Jerry Angelo has been searching high and low for that next “great” Bears QB and has struck out every single time.  He thought he had one in Rex Grossman but his size and propensity to do stupid things derailed him.  Kyle Orton was always a nice QB and a great guy but was never going to be that great QB Angelo and the Bears organization was after.  The Bears no longer wanted a game manager, they wanted the next Sid Luckman.

After a lackluster free agent period that yielded only OL reserve Frank Omiyale, OT Kevin Schaffer, DB Glenn Earl and S Josh Bullocks the Bears began a conversation with the Denver Broncos.  This “conversation” was about a certain young star QB named Jay Cutler.  Now no team with a Jay Cutler kind of QB would normally engage in this sort of conversation.  Normally you say thanks but no thanks and go about your way.  But, to the Bears favor, the Broncos were now runned by a new coach, coordinators and GM.  They were putting in a whole new Patriot style offense and their plans didn’t necessarily include 25 year old Pro-Bowl QB Jay Cutler.  The relations between this new coach, management and the star QB broke down from Day 1.  Both sides communicated with one another poorly and one thing led to another.  Jay demanded a trade and Broncos owner Pat Bowlen was ready to oblige. 

The rumors had been swirling for weeks as NFL Network and ESPN began to analyze and predict where Jay Cutler might end up.  The Chicago Bears always figured in the conversation but never as a favorite.  Simply put the Bears weren’t the type of franchise to “get it done”. 

Once the Broncos began looking for a suitor they didn’t have to go far.  GM Jerry Angelo had been pro-actively looking at Jay from Day One.  While Washington, Tampa, Cleveland and the NY Jets were said to be making their moves the Bears had made theirs.  They thought it was enough but the Broncos decided to talk to the Redskins.  The future of the Bears was now in Jerry Angelo’s hands.  They had not heard from Denver in over an hour.  It appeared all hope was lost when Denver called back.  Washington’s deal wasn’t much different than what the Bears deal was and Angelo wasn’t hanging up the phone until the deal was done.

Some critics will say a 1st Round pick in 2009 and 2010, along with Kyle Orton and a 3rd Round pick was too much to give up for QB Jay Cutler and 5th Round pick.  I think the Bears record of success on NFL Draft’s first day answers those critics but ultimately the deal will be under review over the next several years.  One thing we do know is the Bears identified, went after and got the young man who they feel can be the next great Bears QB.  After 58 years the Chicago Bears have their guy and no price was too small.

Who’s Fishin’ For Cutler?

The Jay Cutler v. Coach McDaniels saga is never ending and it is looking more and more like the Denver Broncos will have to part with their All-Pro quarterback.  This debacle is really a case of he said, she said.  Who initiated contact in the possible dealing of Cutler?  Did McDaniels pursue the New England back up as a replacement for the All-Pro QB?  Listening and initiating contact are very important details here and the Broncos organization isn’t the least bit interested in giving us those details.  All we know is Cutler has had enough and has forfeited his $100,000 for missing 10% of the off-season training activities.  He has also left his Tennessee home for parts unknown.

Despite his current mental state as a result if this fiasco, how many teams are going to cast their lines in hopes of landing a Cutler?  Which teams stand the best chance?

FAVORITES

Detroit Lions

Not that Cutler wants to or deserves to go here but the Lions are shaping up to be the favorites in the race for Cutler.  The Lions have the #1 overall pick in the draft and that could be very appealing to the Broncos.  If they are starting over with a new system a highly intelligent, moldable QB like Matt Stafford would do the trick.  There would also be a strong possibility that Matt would be united with RB Knowshon Moreno with Denver’s second 1st Round pick.  Detoit would get a bonafide all-pro QB.  They would have to draft plenty of offensive linemen and wide receivers to keep this cocky QB happy.

Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns have a QB named Brady Quinn as bait for the embattled Cutler.  The also have the fifth overall pick in the 1st Round of the Draft.  Quinn has loads of potential but his development was cut short due to a freak injury.  Brady has the potential to be a fine NFL QB and some compared his college game to that of Tom Brady.  That is perfect for McDaniel who would be instituting the same type of offense.  With the #5 pick Denver would then look at someone like LB Curry or DE Orakpo.  They might also be tempted to take Crabtree.  Cleveland will be starting over regardless of the Cutler deal.  Building a strong offensive line  around Jay Cutler would be the priority.

POSSIBLE

NY Jets

The NY Jets have a shot to get Cutler.  I don’t think it is as strong a shot as Detroit and Cleveland have but it is a shot.  They need to replace the void left by Favre and the talent behind Favre was thin to begin with.  What does NY have to give to get Cutler?  Not a whole lot but they may offer their #17 pick in the 1st Round along with another pick, maybe 3rd or 4th Round.  The picks alone are not enough so they may need to include someone like LB David Harris or LB Calvin Pace.  That could work because Denver is switching to the 3-4 and looking for veteran personnel to run it.  To replace Cutler Denver would probably take Sanchez or Freeman at #17.  If Denver chooses not to draft a QB early they could sign Grossman or Losman for a season or two while they develop Chris Simms. 

Tampa Bay Bucs

OK, I know she isn’t the Bucs logo but I found her much more interesting.  Back on point, the Bucs have been dying for a QB.  They always seem to get a bust in the draft or a rusty, old veteran with not many miles left on the tires.  Bucs management made it known they would do what was necessary to land a stud QB.  Enter Jay Cutler.  Tampa isn’t a terrible team.  They just missed the playoffs.  Tampa might be willing to pull a Ricky Williams-New Orleans kind of trade just to get him.  Cutler guiding that offense would make them a strong contender in that division and in the conference.  Tampa would probably have to offer their 1st Round pick this year (#19), another pick in 2009 like the 3rd Round (#81) and a 1st Round pick next year.  Tampa may not want to get involved in swapping players because the systems don’t match the needs very well.  This is a slim shot but if Tampa puts a package of high round picks it could get done.

LONGSHOTS

Chicago Bears

Sparkly GIF Bear says the chances are slim but with Jerry Angelo running the show you never know.  He constantly surprises the fans.  He will crap out in almost every 1st Round pick and then turn around and find a Briggs, Hester, Vasher or A.Brown in the middle rounds or even CB Corey Graham in the late rounds.  What I am getting at is Bears fans might not mind if management sacrificed 1st Round picks in 2009 and 2010 to get Jay Cutler because the Bears don’t have a high rate of success on 1st Rounders.  The Bears would probably have to send the Kyle Orton to cap off a deal like this but it is possible.  Kyle does have some similarities to Matt Cassell and Denver did almost everything they could to get him.  Put this down as a longshot but I don’t think I’d be surprised to see something go down on draft day.  

Philadelphia Eagles

Any excuse to run more pictures of a cheerleader, especially one of Philly’s finest.  To my knowledge there isn’t much noise between Philly and Denver but hear me out on this one.  McNabb only has another 3 or 4 years left in the tank.  Philly’s current back up may be only that, a career back up.  Cutler would give Philly a legitmate star QB for the future.  What Philly has in return besides Donovan McNabb would be two 1st Round picks in this years draft (#21, #28).  With Denver rebuilding on the fly, this would give them picks 12, 21, 28 and 48.  This is almost like the deal the Cowboys worked out sending Hershel Walker to Minnesota for essentially 3 Superbowl titles.  Denver would be able to build a tremendously talented young defense by executing this deal.  I think both teams would benefit greatly from this deal.

NBA DRAFT FEVER?

Well have you caught the draft fever yet?  Do you know or care what your team is going to do?  After Chicago and Miami pick does it get interesting or boring?

I know I haven’t caught the fever.  I am a Bulls fan and I know Derrick Rose will be playing PG for my beloved Bulls next season.  He is a nice piece but is still a couple of years  away from really helping us. 

After the Bulls pick Miami will talk trade.  The announcers will say “They have Marion and Wade, they need a point guard so do they move the pick?”  Well the easy answer is no they don’t.  They would probably trade down to 5 or 6 if anywhere and they aren’t going to get Rose (gone) or OJ Mayo (gone) so why do it.  My guess is Miami takes Beasley and has a dominating front court for the next 5 years.  Besides they want to keep Dewayne Wade and drafting a 25ppg power forward goes a long way towards keeping your star shooting guard.  Besides, if they need a point guard sign Chris Duhon.  He would fit perfect on that team.

After Miami picks the interest-o-meter goes way down.  I mean there are some nice players like OJ Mayo and Jerryd Bayless, but there is very little interest after this.  You have a lot of 19 and 20 year old players that won’t be significant contributors for 2 or 3 years.  You have a handful of European players no one knows and small school kids…no one knows. 

Are you getting my point here?  It isn’t like the NFL draft where most players in the 1st and 2nd Round will play the second they step foot on the pro football field.  And, well into the mid-rounds, there are sleepers that become your next Shannon Sharp, Joe Montana or Tom Brady.  In the NBA it is rare when your 2nd Round picks even make the team.

What could possibly make this evening interesting?

Well a blockbuster trade between Miami and Chicago would be tasty.  Rumors have D. Wade wanting to go to Chicago but would the Bulls give up the coveted #1 pick.  Detroit and Golden State have been rumored to be talking about Chauncey for Baron.  That would be nice. 

But short of a trade it will be pretty boring after the top 5 picks for sure.

My last suggestion is that we get rid of STERN announcing all of the picks.  He is a pretty good commish as far as they go but there is nothing interesting about him.  He acts and sounds like the typical New Yorker.  Sure, I might be willing to get a slice of pie with the guy or sit and drink an egg cream with him but listening to him for 4 hours is going to be rough.

Here is my suggestion.  You get the HOTTEST NBA HOTTIES to step up to the mic and announce the pick.  That would be brilliant.

Nuggets pick

Cavs are up and they pick…

Memphis is now on the board and they select…

See where I am going with this folks.  NBA hotties making the picks instead of Stern.  Yes, I know, I am an innovator.  90% of those watching tonight are going to be guys.  If you want to keep them after the first few picks than hot NBA hotties is the way to go.

Ben Gone and Fans Still Bitch!

Big Bad Benny Boo Boo is gone and thank God for that.  We were hoping and praying the Bulls had the brass balls to unload him and they found a taker.  So, with smile from ear to ear I get in my car and flip on the radio.

To my surprise some hack, b-team announcer is slamming the Bulls for the deal, not having any ‘big men’ and John Paxson in general.  I was confused at first but then pissed as it went on.

LOOK PEOPLE…you can’t have it both ways.  Either you like Ben and are disappointed it didn’t work out or you are happy that it is gone.  I get less and less impressed with talk radio the more I listen.  They screen callers so that they only air the idiots or someone that completely agrees with their point. 

BPD, back on target.  I was happy he was signed originally, although I thought we paid too much.  I was disappointed it didn’t work out.  I, however, am not going to sit here and slam John Paxson for all of this.  At what point to we put this soley on the coaches and players.  John put an incredibly young, talented group of players together.  At that point you hire a coach and tell him to win.  Skiles did, for a while, but slow starts and locker room issues sealed his fate.

At some point you have to just come and play.  These guys make millions more than I do so they should just shut the F-up and play the damn game.  The ‘odd’ kid in the bunch, Joakim Noah, plays his ass off every night.  He doesn’t know all the plays or schemes yet but he plays hard every night.  Other players have been disappointing.  They sulk on the bench, complain about headbands and let other things bother them.  Those days are nearing an end.

Another pre-deal complaint was THE BULLS DON’T HAVE A TRUE SHOOTING GUARD other than Thabo.  Well, now they do in Larry Hughes.  He isn’t the Larry of 2001 but he is still a guy that can score 14 to 16 points a night with enough minutes.  The additon of Drew Gooden is also a great pick up.  He is a solid person and player.  Losing Joe Smith was disappointing but you are getting something for something. 

We do have a lack of big men now but we did in 2006 too and we made the playoffs.  I say let Gray and Noah hold down the middle for the rest of the season and solve this issue in the draft.  My suggestion is a package of players and picks to move up and get Hibbert, the AWESOME big man from Georgetown.  We will see if John does that.

At any rate, stop the blame game.  Ben didn’t work out, the players failed, the coach failed and now Paxson is enemy #1.  In my eyes John did his job of putting young talent on the same floor.  He can’t make them play, or score or even win.  They were on the right path until this season.  I say leave John alone for this year and let’s see how he will fix it. 

The team is full of role/situational players.  Add one superstar and a low post scoring threat to the mix and you have a team that could win 50+ games for many years.