Bears Blitz

Published by Jeff Chase on November 23, 2011
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

When the Chicago Bears brought in offensive coordinator Mike Martz, they were obviously going to have to buy into his system. That is how it goes in order to be effective. Despite what many would assume, it seems as if Martz is running this team. The signing of quarterback Josh McCown following the injury to Jay Cutler is just another sign of his rule.

The Bears’ offense has been looking fine this season, but that has been mostly due to Matt Forte. Yes, a running back being the primary yard converter in a Martz-styled offense. Weird, huh? Cutler has been extremely effective this season, and there is no doubt that he has done a fine job in taking this offense off the ground. By all means though, he is not having a Pro Bowl year, or a typical season that a quarterback has in the Martz system.

With Cutler out, the Bears are going to backup Caleb Hanie. Don’t be surprised though if Martz tries to play his cards and insert McCown if Hanie struggles. That is what Martz does anyways, he gets what he wants.

The Bears had a perfectly fine tight end in Greg Olsen. Since he didn’t fit the Martz system, the Bears decided to trade him because Martz didn’t see him as a valid tight end. The Bears received virtually nothing for what was their obvious best receiver, and without a doubt the loss of Olsen has hurt the passing game—even with the success the Bears are having.

The other move was the addition of wide receiver Roy Williams. While Williams did have much success with Martz in one season at Detroit, Williams has ultimately fallen flat this season and has proven that he was essentially a waste of money and a roster spot. It was in Detroit where Martz and McCown worked together.

The issue with McCown is that Bears fans should be afraid that Martz is going to try to get what he feels is best for him once again. McCown’s career record is 12-19 over an eight-year career. He has had his chance, and he has proven that he can’t lead the team. Hanie deserves this shot, and he should not be pulled right away if he falls short. McCown has been out of a job this long for a reason. 

McCown will obviously not start for this team right away, but people have to hope that Martz will be patient with Hanie. He is obviously raw, but he still presents the best option for the Bears.

Martz just has never been favorable of Hanie. One has to hope that Martz will give Hanie the attention and time he deserves while not focusing on his familiarity with McCown.

McCown is a fine backup for a team that has very limited depth and experience in the quarterback position. One just has to hope that the signing of McCown will not result in him being inserted into the starting lineup anytime soon.

The signing of McCown is logical, but the Bears right now need to trust Hanie as he has been learning this system and should be able to run it best.

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