In my latest Chicago Tribune column, I talked to the various NFL analysts about the Bears’ prospects in 2013. The consensus: They like Marc Trestman, but aren’t sure about Jay Cutler.
You also can access the column via my Twitter feed.
From the column:
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The national appeal of the Bears always ranks high with the networks. CBS is making the most of its two Bears games this season, and it will send its No. 1 crew of Jim Nantz and Phil Simms to Soldier Field for Sunday’s season opener against the Bengals.
However, the network’s various NFL analysts are mixed on the Bears’ outlook for 2013, with a few of them decidedly down.
CBS’ Boomer Esiason says the Bears will be “a second-rung team in the NFC.”
NBC’s Rodney Harrison, a Chicago-area native, was blunt about his hometown team.
“I would almost have to say at this point I wouldn’t fear the Bears,” Harrison said. “Just too much inconsistent play at the quarterback position.”
Indeed, the analysts all contend Jay Cutler will be the focal point. As he goes, so go the Bears.
Esiason called Cutler “one of the most frustrating players in the NFL.” He even wrestled with whether he’s a top-15 quarterback.
Bill Cowher, the former Steelers coach, contends the time has come for Cutler to dramatically step up his game.
“When the head coach or the quarterback goes into the last year of his contract, it’s a storyline,” Cowher said. “It was last year with Joe Flacco. We know how that unfolded. We have all seen Jay Cutler at times and his mannerisms, and you just wonder if they don’t get off to a good start how much that will play into it. This is very much a career-defining year for him. How he handles the questions and his performance week-in and week-out will be something to watch.”
Fox Sports’ Troy Aikman says he’s “skeptical” about Cutler despite a change in coaches. The Hall of Fame quarterback rattled off the list of offensive coordinators who have come and gone during Cutler’s years with the Bears.
“Every year, you wonder, ‘Is this guy going to be the guy?’ ” Aikman said. “Until I see it, I’m going to be skeptical. Jay has not played well in big games, especially against the Packers. That has to change if they are going to contend.”
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Even though the Packers remain the favorites in the NFC North, NBC’s Cris Collinsworth thinks the Lions can be a dangerous team.
“When you start with that kind of front seven and especially that front four (on defense), you can control a lot of games,” Collinsworth said. “I think Reggie Bush adds an element to that team. If you can take a little pressure off of Calvin Johnson, it’s just a team with the chance.”
Fox Sports’ Jimmy Johnson still thinks it’s the Packers and everyone else in the North.
“None of those three teams will challenge Green Bay if they stay healthy,” Johnson said.