Bears Blitz

Published by Bob Warja on October 9, 2009
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

Whether it was called the NFC Central or the North, as it is today, this has traditionally been known as the “black and blue” division, primarily dominated by defensive-oriented teams throughout the years.

While defense still wins championships, the QB position has surprisingly become the dominant feature of the North.

Sure, the Packers had a fellow by the name of Brett Favre for many years, but even his Hall of Fame presence couldn’t alter the perception of this division as an up the gut, in your face, collection of ballbusters.

Until now.

Ironically, while Favre is still in the division, wearing purple instead of green and gold, it’s the younger QBs who have transformed the North into an honest-to-goodness modern day offense.

Even the Bears, of all teams, have gotten into the act. GM Jerry Angelo stunned Chicago fans with his uncharacteristically bold acquisition of Jay Cutler. Following a nightmare of a debut against Green Bay, Cutler has seemingly found his way.

As the Bears hibernate this weekend, they sleep comfortably with the knowledge that they have a true game-changer at a position that has seen more bodies come and go than Madonna’s bedroom.

But is Cutler the best QB in the division? Well, his physical skills are the best. He has the strongest arm and is mobile and durable. But let’s take a look at the other candidates and see.

Aaron Rodgers – Green Bay Packers

Bears fans, of course, like to compliment Packers players about as often as they like a sharp stick jabbed in their eye. Yet if one is honest, one has to admit that this Rodgers kid is one pretty damn fine QB.

The Packers QB ranks fifth in the NFL in QB rating, at 101.1, behind only Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, Favre, and Eli Manning.  What, is that the same Favre that now plays for the Minnesota Vikings? Yes, the same one. But we’ll get to him in a minute.

Despite a loss to the Vikings on Monday night, Rodgers played well at times. While he completed 26-of-37 passes for a career-high 384 yards and two touchdowns, he also threw an interception and lost a fumble. Oh, he also took a safety.

But his pass protection is terrible and he will be prone to sacks and mistakes unless Green Bay can do a better job of blocking up front.  If he can get some time to throw, however, there is no denying the potential of this 25-year-old QB.

Brett Favre – Minnesota Vikings

I told you we’d get to him. Despite being 102 years old, he is playing well for a Vikings team that looks like the team to beat in the NFC this season. Yes, he has arguably the best running back in the game in Adrian Peterson.

Yet it’s been his decision-making that has allowed Favre to enjoy success thus far. The gunslinger has thrown just one pick so far, against eight TDs. Meanwhile, he is banged up right now, though he is listed as probable for Sunday’s game against the miserable Rams.

Staying within himself, and not trying to do too much, such as forcing the ball downfield, is the key to Favre’s continued success.  If he can do that, he just may be the best QB in the division for this one season, though he is nearing the end, of course, and so would be the last QB to be selected if you were building a team.

Matthew Stafford – Detroit Lions

Stafford is obviously the most raw of the QBs in the North. Although prone to the rookie mistakes that plague most young, inexperienced players, Stafford has flashed the skills that made him the No. 1 overall pick of April’s draft.

Based on numbers alone, the 21-year-old doesn’t belong in this discussion right now. He has thrown six interceptions against just three TDs this season. But it’s his potential that intrigues everyone so much.

He has a right knee injury, so he probably won’t play against the Steelers on Sunday. But having a guy like Daunte Culpepper as a backup isn’t the worst thing in the world.

Besides, the Lions have already accomplished their first goal for this season, ending their long losing skid against the Redskins.

Stafford may be trailing the pack now, but he just may end up the best of the lot in the long run.

Jay Cutler – Chicago Bears

Now we come to the man who has almost single-handedly sparked renewed enthusiasm in Chicago, Jay Cutler. But before we go anointing him as the next Sid Luckman (yes, that’s how long it has been since we’ve had a franchise QB), consider the following.

Cutler tends to fall in love with his arm too much, at times. When he’s throwing across his body, off balance and on the run, he throws picks.

In that regard, he’s very much like a young Brett Favre. But it’s his ability to rally a team that makes this young man so damn exciting to Bears fans.

Though we haven’t seen enough of this yet, Cutler finally gives the Bears the ability to throw deep. He stretches the defense. Teams have to respect his arm, and can’t simply stack the box against the run.

No more “game managers” for this team, oh no. True, Cutler will make mistakes, as we saw against the Packers, but he also is the most physically gifted of the QBs in the division.

So there you have it. Four teams, four impressive QBs. Who else can boast the same thing, come to think of it?

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