Chicago Bears Fans Shouldn’t Worry About Jason Campbell Starting…Much
Published by Dean Siemon on November 16, 2012
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
For a very short moment after I read that Chicago Bears backup quarterback Jason Campbell was starting Monday in San Francisco, my first thought was “Not again.”
During last Sunday’s 13-6 loss to the Houston Texans, starting quarterback Jay Cutler suffered a concussion from a helmet-to-helmet hit by linebacker Tim Dobbins.
Earlier today, the Bears announced that Campbell will get the nod facing the 49ers in a matchup of division leaders.
Déjà vu from last season? Not exactly.
Last season, the Bears began their season at 7-3 and looked to be one of the playoff favorites. But during the Nov. 20, 2011 game against the San Diego Chargers, Cutler suffered a broken thumb on his throwing hand and did not return.
The Bears went 1-5 the rest of the way with Caleb Hanie taking control during the five-game losing streak.
But this season, Chicago has someone who has been a pretty good starting quarterback in the past.
In his career, Campbell has thrown for 14,511 yards and 74 touchdowns, giving him an 82.6 passer rating.
Campbell might only be a .500 starter for Chicago, but that would still put Chicago in the playoffs if Cutler can’t go the rest of the season. (He has a tendency to sit out after being hurt. I’m just saying.)
Now, remember that part in the headline where I used the word “much”? Chicago’s offense still has a lot of issues.
The offensive line has made some improvements from the beginning of the year, specifically the game at Green Bay where Cutler was sacked seven times.
And if there’s anything I learned from Sunday’s loss, every receiver who’s not Brandon Marshall has to do better in catching the ball.
I’m putting extra emphasis on tight end Kellen Davis, who can be given blame for two of the four first quarter turnovers against Houston.
There was a fumble after a catch and also a point where he slipped on a route that led to an easy interception. Granted, the Bears haven’t had great play at tight end since the departure of Greg Olsen.
While the Bears have ridden the defense during their six-game winning streak, a team in the NFL can’t rely on defense alone to win a championship—or even compete for one.
Hopefully Cutler can return sooner rather than later, Campbell can hold down the fort until then and the Bears offense can execute better.
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