NFL Football Preview 2009: Chicago Bears
With The Arrival Of Jay Cutler, The Long Search For A QB May Be Over
After setting the franchise record for passing yards in a season (4,526) to go along with 25 touchdowns, it appeared that Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler had a bright future in Denver. That was until Josh McDaniels came to town.
Is Jay Cutler the Franchise Quarterback the Bears Have Been Looking For?
When McDaniels attempted to acquire quarterback Matt Cassel in a trade with the New England Patriots, Cutler felt betrayed and unwanted. He didn't see the need to stick around when the new head coach was already trying to replace him before they could even play a single game together.
Cutler's unhappiness in Denver made more headlines than Brett Favre this offseason (which says a lot). Eventually, his wish was granted when he was traded to the Bears for quarterback Kyle Orton, two first-round draft picks (2009 and 2010), and a third-round draft pick in 2009.
The Bears must have a lot of faith in Cutler with everything they were willing to give up to land him. However, the fourth-year quarterback from Vanderbilt will be tested in his first season with Chicago now that he has a different set of wide receivers.
Who Will Step It Up For the Bears at Wide Receiver?
When it comes to special teams, Devin Hester has the potential to go down in NFL history as one of the greatest returners of all time. In his first three years in the league, he has already returned four kickoffs and seven punts for touchdowns, giving him a total of 11 in his career (two away from tying Brian Mitchell's record of 13).
Unfortunately, Hester is not as effective as a No. 1 wide receiver, but the Bears are hoping he can develop into one.
Still, Hester has a lot of work to do if he wants to become Cutler's main option in Chicago. Last season, Hester only caught 51 receptions for 665 yards and three touchdowns.
Does he have what it takes to be the Bears No. 1 wide receiver in '09? Of course he does. Now that he has an Pro-Bowl quarterback throwing to him in Jay Cutler, Hester has the potential to become a serious No. 1 threat this season.
Another player who has the potential to have a breakout season for the Bears is second-year wide receiver Earl Bennett. Bennett played his 2005 season at Vanderbilt with Cutler, where he caught 79 receptions for 876 yards and nine touchdowns.
The Bears hope Bennett can re-establish that connection he had with Cutler at Vanderbilt to make him an effective No. 2 wide-out. If this is the case, the Bears may not be as desperate for wide receivers as everyone assumes they are.
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