Reasons the Chicago Bears Chose To Bench Jay Cutler
By Erik Lambert
Jay Cutler is officially out as starter for the Chicago Bears. Is it simply protection or something more? Here are a few reasons why the team has decided to go this route.
Coaches Trying To Rescue Their Jobs
With two games left it all appears over for head coach Marc Trestman and his staff. A series of lopsided defeats can do that. However, there could be one shred of logic behind the decision to bench Cutler. Recall that a few weeks back during the Tampa Bay game that rumors swirled the Bears came very close to benching the quarterback even then. It didn’t go down that way, but it was a sign the coaches weren’t happy with how Jay was executing the scheme.
If Trestman can show that either Jimmy Clausen or David Fales can play well against two tough division rivals, it might prove to ownership that they weren’t the problem all along. That it was Cutler with his bad decision-making and perceived inability to properly read defense that was the real culprit for things regressing so badly.
Keep Him Healthy For Next Year
With nothing left to play for in 2014, what sense would it make to keep playing Cutler? He’s 31-years old and not getting any younger. After taking seven sacks against New Orleans it’s clear the offensive line may struggle protecting him the rest of the way. If the Bears plan to make him their starter again in 2015, then they must ensure he’s healthy. That is what benching him can do.
Preserve His Trade Value
Among the more popular avenues this move brought up was the Chicago Bears brass shifting their focus to the off-season when they would be allowed to start considering possible trade options. As it stands Cutler still has value. He’s a veteran with experience in multiple systems. He still has the big arm and is in the midst of one of his best statistical seasons as a pro. Yes the turnovers are a problem, but that is why they’ve chose to bench him, to prevent it from getting any worse. Coupled with a need to keep him healthy for a trade to work, it’s clear this is a real possibility.