Article By Brian DiTullio on 24th January, 2011
Caleb Hanie showed the world how he handles pressure on Sunday versus the Green Bay Packers. He did it by going out there against incredible odds and playing his heart out.
He didn’t have a good day, but what do you expect from a guy who probably hasn’t taken a rep in practice with the first team unit in months?
Hanie showed a lot of heart and courage in adverse conditions, and that’s how you find out if you have a quarterback or not. Jay Cutler responded to adversity by quitting and ignoring the team. He wasn’t playing anymore, so what did he care?
Going into 2011, the Bears now have a quarterback decision to make. Do they stick with Cutler? Do they give Hanie a shot?
None of these are easy decisions. Cutler has talent, but he’s obviously not reliable in crunch time if he has a boo-boo. Other quarterbacks have to be dragged off of the field in the playoffs when they’re injured, Cutler just shrugged.
Hanie now has earned a shot to move up and compete for a starter’s job. Todd Collins won’t be in Chicago after his performance Sunday, so it’s Hanie and Cutler, that is if Cutler still is on the roster when the 2011 training camps open.
When the fans start burning your jersey, management usually has to move on. It’s not fair, but it’s the way it is.
For a look at NFL Trade Scenarios, check out 10 Blockbuster Trades That Could Happen.