I was thinking about something last night that I thought would be fun to write about and get your take on as well…what happens if Caleb Hanie comes in an lights things up? What happens if he’s really good too? What would happen with the Chicago Bears and Jay Cutler?
On a smaller scale, this happened with Lance Louis and Gabe Carimi. While Carimi ended up having season ending knee surgery, the pressure to rush Carimi back was curtailed by Louis. Some of my inside sources feel that Carimi could have played if really needed this season but the Bears felt that it wasn’t worth the potential risks. I’m for letting guys heal, so it was the right move.
Let’s now apply this Hanie. Let’s say Hanie keeps the Bears offensive rolling like it was under Cutler. Does that allow Cutler the time he needs to heal? Most doctors put his return in the eight-week range, but the Bears are telling us it may be sooner. Obviously I want Cutler back, but he’s way too good and valuable to rush back and risk further complications. Cutler is a tough gamer, but it’s more important that he’s with the Bears for a LONG time, and not for a game or two before making things worse. Hopefully Hanie makes this decision a lot more difficult.
I know it’s only talk, but I’m getting the sense the Bears aren’t jumping off ledges because of Cutler’s injury. The team has rallied around Hanie and they believe in him moving forward. This is a veteran team that has a lot riding on this season. While this is a devastating injury, it’s not the end of the world. The Bears can still do great things. And if the players or coaches felt any differently, they should find another line of work.
I’ve really become a huge Lovie Smith fan. It’s because he’s handled everything so well this season. I have faith in him this time too. Just when it seems like the sky is falling, Smith has answers. Let’s give him one more shot at it.
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