At this point in the 2013 season, the Chicago Bears are sitting atop the NFC North after a huge win over the Baltimore Ravens that saw tons of fans brave the tornado warnings and even participate in a Fan Rant contest. A big part of this success is due to the play of backup quarterback Josh McCown, who should take over as the starter in Windy City even when Jay Cutler returns from injury.
Put simply, McCown appears to be the better quarterback right now.
In the four games (two starts) that McCown has filled in for Cutler, the 34-year old passer has completed 60.4 percent of his throws for 754 yards, five touchdowns and zero interceptions, amassing a 100.0 quarterback rating in the process.
For a guy who few people considered a legitimate starter, it’s all extremely impressive.
Meanwhile, Cutler suffered from his fair share of struggles prior to the groin injury that has sidelined him for the majority of the past four weeks. In eight games, he completed 63 percent of his passes for 1,908 yards, 13 touchdowns and eight interceptions, giving him an 88.4 passer rating on the year. He had also lost three fumbles, giving him a total of 11 turnovers in eight starts – McCown has none.
Throughout his time in Chicago, Cutler has always been a polarizing figure amongst the fans. His lackadaisical approach, questionable motivation, and routine late-season meltdowns have forced many Bears faithful to call for a different signal-caller under center, while others praise his natural talent and ability to win when he wants it. No matter what side of the fence you’re on, there’s no denying that Cutler hasn’t lived up to expectations and continues to fall short as the Bears’ window closes.
Seeing as Cutler is set to be a free agent in 2014, the Bears should just keep McCown in the starting role and let No. 6 prepare himself for the open market. Plus, the Bears have won the two games McCown started, so why fix it if it isn’t broken?
Not only do the Bears not need to spend an absurd amount of money on the inconsistent passer, but the 2014 NFL Draft also offers plenty of promising young quarterback talent. Instead of breaking the bank on Cutler, Chicago can draft an exciting gunslinger and use the cash they saved to upgrade other positions of need.
Cutler had his shot to take over as the Bears’ long-term quarterback, but couldn’t make the plays when they mattered most. With McCown showing enough to warrant an extension on his stint as the starter, Chicago should just keep Cutler sidelined and let him find a new home this offseason.
The Bears will never win a Super Bowl with Cutler anyway, so why keep him around?
Gil Alcaraz IV is the Content Planner for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @GilAlcarazIV, like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
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