What? The Bears have a good QB?

[Maawdawg]

that is unheard of....

They just traded for Jay Cutler from the Broncos, giving them Kyle "Neckbeard" Orton and 2 1st rounders. I have been a bears fan since about 1982 and this is the first time we have had a really good QB. McMahon wasn't that good in 85 he just played with the one of the best running backs ever and arguably the best defense ever.

I just don't know what to do now, I have never had this experience before. What is it like to root for a team with a good QB?

[Purple Gryphon]

It might actually be fun. I am there with Maaw. Da Bears have had a few runs in the last 2 decades but never really a shot.

Hopefully with their sold defense and now a chance to have a good offense they can actually have a real shot.

[AKAtheMilkman]

Whos gonna be the broncos qb now...orton? :p

[Eleazar]

Don't under estimate Orton. It isn't uncommon for QB's that either play in Indiana, went to college in Indiana, or were born in Indiana to do well in the NFL. Just look at Brees(Purdue), Manning(Colts), Cutler(born), Brady Quinn(ND), and Trent Green(Indiana). Really Grossman(born) seems to be the exception, and even he went to the SB. Never underestimate a QB that can be traced to Indiana. Also Bob Griese, subsequently his son Brian Griese, and although he is now playing WR, Randle El. Man, for being a basketball state Indiana has done incredible well in football, but hey I guess that will happen when Notre Dame is located in your state.

[Maawdawg]

Orton will do OK in Denver, he can be a decent QB in the right system. That is what denver has now with their new coaching, a system offense. The Bears have proven that an average QB won't do it for them. Orton could do well for the Broncos but I wouldn't expect Pro Bowl play out of him. I would also get used to seeing a REALLY dumb interception at least bi-weekly if he doesn't get really good protection.

[AKAtheMilkman]

I'd be really surprised if orton didn't get traded from the broncos Too.

[Maawdawg]

They wouldn't have taken him unless they were going to use him, the could have just as easily asked for more draft picks. They said a while back, when the Cassel talk was going on that if they traded Cutler they would need to get a QB back they felt comfortable with for the year. He is in the last year of his contract. They will draft someone with one of the draft picks they have (#12 or #18 in the first round) and give him a year to develop.

Also, the Bears signed Orlando Pace today as well, really big day for them.

[Magnum]

What is it like to root for a team with a good QB?

I wouldn't know, Dolphins haven't had a really good QB since Marino. Pennington sort of surprised me this past year though.

[setlord]

well whether he does well or not reamins to be seen

certainly the orginization is expecting big things from a guy they gave away 2 first round draft picks plus there at that time current starting qb

i think hes better then orton but time will tell

[Maawdawg]

he is definitely better than Orton. I watched multiple years of orton not being able to get the ball out beyond 20 yards with any accuracy at all and underthrowing open receivers. He is a Chad Pennington type, short yardage accuracy QB.

[DenyThisFlesh]

I still don't think the Bears will be anything special this year, but Cutler will be a big improvement at the QB position. He might be enough to get them into the playoffs, but I don't know. The Vikings are still the best team in the division.

[Maawdawg]

NFC north is normally a close run with the average to good teams and one terrible one. I don't expect this year to be any different. Three 7-9 to 10-6 teams and one doormat.

[DenyThisFlesh]

NFC north is normally a close run with the average to good teams and one terrible one. I don't expect this year to be any different. Three 7-9 to 10-6 teams and one doormat.

You're correct. How many games you think the Lions win this year? I don't think they could possibly go 0-16 again, but they could prove me wrong.

Anyway, if Sage Rosenfels is halfway decent at QB for the Vikings, they should be able to win the division again. The Packers were bad last year, but could be better this year. I expect the Bears to be about the same, but their offense will be better with Cutler at QB and Orlando Pace at left tackle.

[Maawdawg]

I really like Forte for the Bears and adding Cutler and Pace will definitely help as their LT was one of the worst in the NFL for sacks allowed last year. Right now the Bears need a #1 WR or at the very least a solid possession guy. They have 2 good tight ends, and Hester (who should be a slot guy). They need a number one WR, or at least sign someone like Torry Holt, who is friendly with Lovie Smith anyway. There should be some good WR talent in the second round still so hopefully they find something.

It is hard to guess standings until the draft comes around and you can see how everyone goes. That and the spring cuts that haven't really hit yet.