Jay Cutler is currently out with a thumb injury, but it’s a given he’ll be the starter for the Bears when healthy, right?
Not so fast.
Asked if Jay Cutler is the starter post-injury, John Fox said "I don't think there are any givens."
— Patrick Finley (@patrickfinley) September 26, 2016
This is a startling comment that nobody saw coming. Sure, Cutler has struggled a bit this year, but he’s still a better quarterback than Brian Hoyer, right?
Apparently, Fox and Co. are weighing their options.
Before exiting Week 2’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Cutler had thrown one touchdown and two interceptions this year. He had completed 60.9 percent of his passes for 373 yards (8.1 yards per attempt) and had endured eight sacks.
Hoyer finished up for Cutler in Week 2 and then started against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night. He has thus far completed 63.9 percent of his passes for 395 yards (6.5 yards per attempt) with two touchdowns and no interceptions. The Bears lost in Dallas, 31-17, dropping to 0-3 on the season.
The notion that Hoyer somehow gives the Bears a better chance to win is hard to get behind. Furthermore, it’s hard to imagine the Bears’ brass will feel comfortable about letting a guy who’s making $17 million this year pace the sidelines with a headset and clipboard.
That said, we have argued that it might be time for the Bears to move on from Cutler. He’s never been able to consistently win games, is constantly turning the ball over at inopportune times and is best known for appearing quite aloof.
Fox is also trying to save his job. Chicago has been one of the worst teams in football this year, so as far as he’s concerned all options are on the table. It’s going to be fascinating to see how this unfolds.