Seeking belief in Bears, Cutler
7/29/2009 2:50:59 PM
Has Lovie found the answer at QB? |
I want to believe. I want to become a believer that a new era is truly going to occur on the shores of Lake Michigan for the Monsters of the Midway.
I want to believe after watching the likes of Mike Phipps, Bob Avellini, Vince Evans, Jim McMahon, Steve Fuller, Doug Flutie, Mike Tomczak, Jim Harbaugh, Peter Tom Willis, Will Furrer, Erik Kramer, Steve Walsh, Dave Krieg, Rick Mirer, Shane Matthews, Cade McNown, Jim Miller, Chris Chandler, Henry Burris, Kordell Stewart, Chad Hutchinson, Jonathan Quinn, Craig Krenzel, Rex Grossman, Brian Griese and Kyle Orton start at quarterback at some point over the past 32 years that the Chicago Bears have FINALLY found the answer at football's all-important position.
The question, though, remains is Jay Cutler really the savior? Have the Bears AT LAST got their man under center after so many hopeful prospects did not pan out? I want to believe Cutler is a cut above his predecessors in the Windy City.
I want to believe Cutler, who was a fantasy football standout in Denver, will remain a fantasy stud in Chicago and lead the Bears to glory with another Super Bowl title and help a few folks to fantasy glory as well. Deep down, however, I believe that Cutler will experience some tough times in his first season with the Bears.
Here's a quick look at fantasy prospects on the Bears roster:
Cutler: Dream on. He's not throwing for 4,500 yards and 25 TDs like he did in Denver last year. Well, maybe he could reach 25 TDs this year in Chicago. But coach Lovie Smith's football DNA does not include or showcase a wide-open offensive attack. Besides, Cutler does not have the pass-catching supporting cast in Chicago that he did in Denver. Cutler still rates as a fantasy starter. But I wouldn't consider him until the sixth or seventh round at the earliest in a 10- or 12-team league.
RB Matt Forte: Now, here is someone who will benefit from Cutler's presence. The second-year running back was a fantasy surprise last year. It would not be a surprise if he matched or surpassed his rookie totals of 1,238 yards rushing and 8 TDs.
WR Devin Hester: So, Cutler goes from Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal to a receiving group headlined by Hester? The game's No. 1 kick returner is not a No. 1 receiver for any team. We've seen this experiment fail twice before in Kansas City with Tamarick Vanover in the late 1990s and Dante Hall earlier this decade. The Windy City Flyer is a risky venture at receiver.
TE Greg Olsen: I would suggest that Cutler get familiar with his teammate wearing jersey number 82. This guy is primed for a breakout season now that he has a top flight QB. After the first tier group of Jason Witten, Tony Gonzalez and Antonio Gates at the position, Olsen just might be the best of the second tier group.
--- Matt Doyle | |
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