Chicago Bears: 6 Reasons They Grab A QB in 2017
By Erik Lambert
Ramping up youth additions
It really seems like the Bears have put forth a firmer effort this past off-season to stockpile young bodies at the quarterback position. Ones who have particular traits that the coaching staff likes. Of course this doesn’t mean anything at the moment but it could at least be an indication that they’ve begun their search for potential options they can develop into Cutler’s replacement. It started with the respond by head coach John Fox after the injury to Connor Shaw in the preseason.
John Fox on Connor Shaw: "His intangibles are incredible. He's made a good impression with his teammates and coaches." #Bears
— Jake Perper (@BearsBacker) August 29, 2016
John Fox on Connor Shaw: "I think he has a bright future here.” #Bears
— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) August 29, 2016
Fox said from the moment he took over the Bears about what he looks for in a quarterback. His response may have been overly simple, but it was also telling. “One that wins.” Indeed throughout most of his football career, this does not describe Jay Cutler. He is 67-68 during his time in the NFL. Even in college at Vanderbilt he was a career loser, despite individual brilliance of course.
Then look at the other quarterbacks Fox has been known for over the years. Jake Delhomme led Louisiana-Lafayette to three-straight winning seasons in college and even won a championship in NFL Europe before joining the Carolina Panthers. Tim Tebow was a two-time national champion at Florida. Peyton Manning? Not much needs to be said. The bottom line is Fox wants to win and will absolutely change quarterbacks if he thinks that will help.
That might explain the addition of Matt Barkley to the practice squad, who was quite successful at USC despite a myriad of distractions and is a former 4th round pick.