Bears Blitz

Published by Bob Warja on July 18, 2012
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

It seems like only a matter of time before QB Jay Cutler gets that long-term contract extension from the Chicago Bears. But another viewpoint is that Chicago, with an aging defense and salary-cap concerns, may need to see a ring on his finger first—and I’m not talking about a wedding ring.

It isn’t fair to place the burden of winning a Super Bowl title over the next two seasons solely on Cutler’s shoulders. But it may be a reality that, unless a title is imminent, the Bears could decide to just blow things up and start over.

Keep in mind that Cutler himself will have some say in whether or not he remains a Bear for the remainder of his career. If the Bears don’t achieve the type of success we’re all expecting—and especially if the offensive line doesn’t improve—both sides may decide to walk away.

Look—it’s a fact that talents like Cutler don’t come along every day. So, naturally, many assume that the eventual signing of Cutler to a long-term contract extension is a slam dunk.

However, as I reported earlier this week, the Bears will be facing salary-cap issues over the coming years. While they are not alone in this regard, they have the most expiring contracts of starting players of any NFL team.

The window of opportunity for the Bears to win a title is 2012 and 2013. Personally, I feel that this is the season when the Bears may have the best chance to win, but aging stars like Brian Urlacher should still have at least one more good year left, so I’ll also include 2013 within that window.

Meanwhile, Cutler’s current contract expires after 2013. So if the Bears don’t win a Super Bowl by then, they may be looking at making some changes that involve bringing in younger players who can help build another near-future run at a title.

For all of the positive changes the Bears have made this offseason, the offensive line remains a question mark. Mike Tice being the offensive coordinator should help. His elimination of the seven-step drop will be paramount toward ongoing success of the offense in passing situations.

The Bears operate in perhaps the toughest division in football, with three very solid football teams that are all capable of competing for a title. So even with the Bears’ improvements, nothing is guaranteed.

Personally, I am very positive about the Bears’ chances to win a Super Bowl, but it will have to be either this season or next. After that, the window is closed for remodeling. With no obvious replacements for guys like Urlacher on the current roster, the rebuild will take time.

It won’t take as long as the Cubs, for example, as the Bears at least have a strong foundation from which to build on. In fact, that is one of the main arguments for re-signing Cutler beyond 2013.

Still, the idea of this being a “make or break” couple of seasons for the Bears is fairly obvious. After 2013, Urlacher will be 36, Charles Tillman turns 33, Julius Peppers 34, Lance Briggs 33, Roberto Garza 35, Israel Idonije will be 33 and so on. 

That is not considered old in the real world, but NFL age is a lot like dog years.

That said, the time to win is now. If that happens, let the rewards flow accordingly. If not, it may be time to back up the truck and start over. And that truck may have a new driver at QB.

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