Vikings QB of the future search list

[Webbfann]

Integrity is not doing what needs to be done even when it's difficult. In fact that doesn't even resemble what integrity is, so what you are suggesting has nothing to do with integrity as the rest of the human race defines it. You are describing something more vague than integrity, tough-minded perhaps. But it also carries the scent (If not stink) of things that are in no way characteristic of integrity.

Here are some synonyms of integrity, and none describe what you are describing:


character, decency, goodness, honesty, morality, probity, rectitude, righteousness, rightness, uprightness, virtue, virtuousness

If these guys want to win, then they understand that sometimes you have to take a step backwards to take two forward, and if I were on the team I would have more questions about a coach who guns his star RB for 35 carries to win a meaningless game than I would about a coach who starts throttling his key talent back a bit in that situation with an eye towards next year. What shows greater concern for those veteran players is more a matter of perspective, don't you think, especially in light of the recent injury to AD.
I think showing an appreciation of context is the mark of a coach and GM worth something. I think making those tough calls in tough situations is exactly the kind of medicine this organization needs. Integrity is doing what needs to be done even if it's difficult. I'd say shifting approach to maximize future value in this situation is the definition of integrity.

And like I said - that isn't equivalent to intentionally losing.

[Texas Vike]

Any chance either Cutler or McCown come on over to a division rival next year?

in seven appearances in 2013, [McCown] has thrown for 1,809 yards, 13 touchdowns, one interception and has posted an overall quarterback rating of 109.8.

The guy played lights out last night.

[dead_poet]

Any chance either Cutler or McCown come on over to a division rival next year?
The guy played lights out last night.

I'm not taking either without Trestman.

[Mothman]

Any chance either Cutler or McCown come on over to a division rival next year?
The guy played lights out last night.

He did, although he was lucky a few potential picks were dropped. Overall, he's really been playing well.

McCown is 34 so he'd probably be a stopgap at best but he might be able to serve them as a starter for a year or two while they develop a younger QB behind him.

I have no idea what will happen with Cutler, how much he'd want to be paid, or if he'd be worth it. He's obviously talented but he's had a tough time staying healthy. I heard today that if the Bears don't re-sign him, the Titans might pursue him.

[Mothman]

I'm not taking either without Trestman.

He and GM Phil Emery have done a heck of a job with that Bears offense.

[Delaqure]

It seems to me you play the younger players not just to "see" what they can do but because your starters aren't playing that well. If your starters aren't doing well then You put in the younger guys to see if they can play better. If your veterens aren't cutting it then you play someone who will or at least see if they can play better. If it is about winning you have to play those that give you the best chance. I think this staff has not been good about that.

[Texas Vike]

He did, although he was lucky a few potential picks were dropped. Overall, he's really been playing well.

McCown is 34 so he'd probably be a stopgap at best but he might be able to serve them as a starter for a year or two while they develop a younger QB behind him.

I have no idea what will happen with Cutler, how much he'd want to be paid, or if he'd be worth it. He's obviously talented but he's had a tough time staying healthy. I heard today that if the Bears don't re-sign him, the Titans might pursue him.

McCown is an amazing story--the very definition of journeyman. Sometimes it just takes that long for things to fully click. I sometimes wonder if in ten years after playing in non-NFL leagues (like McCown) and a half dozen NFL teams, Christian Ponder will FINALLY figure it out. Honestly? I doubt it, but who knows. I do know, however, that this team can't sit around and wait for it to happen anymore.

[dead_poet]

Sometimes it just takes that long for things to fully click.

Sometimes it also takes the right coaching and system, which I think is a large part of what's happening here. Put McCown on any other team and I'm convinced he wouldn't be doing nearly as well. Happy for him, though.

[Texas Vike]

Sometimes it also takes the right coaching and system, which I think is a large part of what's happening here. Put McCown on any other team and I'm convinced he wouldn't be doing nearly as well. Happy for him, though.

Do you think Ponder would excel in that system? Is it THAT good?

[dead_poet]

Do you think Ponder would excel in that system? Is it THAT good?

I'm inclined to say yes (it helps when you have a couple of stud receivers and stud pass-catching RB). It's Josh Freaking McCown from crying out loud.

[Webbfann]

hahaha, this has turned hilarious. If anyone had mentioned Josh McCown 8 weeks ago the board would have groaned in agony that he is a career backup, and his NFL fate is pre-ordained. Look at his stats, I mean there is NOTHING in there that would lead the crystal ball readers to predict he has any potential at all. They're horrible! He's never risen more than a hair above 50/50 TD/INT. Plus, OM freakin G, he's THIRTY-FOUR FREAKING YEARS OLD, even more over the hill than our washed up, "career backup" Matt Cassel who also has no future.

[Texas Vike]

hahaha, this has turned hilarious. If anyone had mentioned Josh McCown 8 weeks ago the board would have groaned in agony that he is a career backup, and his NFL fate is pre-ordained. Look at his stats, I mean there is NOTHING in there that would lead the crystal ball readers to predict he has any potential at all. They're horrible! He's never risen more than a hair above 50/50 TD/INT. Plus, OM freakin G, he's THIRTY-FOUR FREAKING YEARS OLD, even more over the hill than our washed up, "career backup" Matt Cassel who also has no future.

What, exactly, is hilarious? Dead_Poet is arguing that McCown's current success is mostly attributable to the system his working in and the amazing talent he's surrounded by. (My question, DP, is why did Cutler look average in the same system earlier in the season? We have to give McCown SOME credit). That's nothing to laugh at--a reasonable argument.

I'm simply pointing out that a guy who has floated around the league, and OTHER leagues even, has finally become successful. The QB position is a freaking enigma and I find it fascinating that a guy like McCown can suddenly, at 34, find serious success in the NFL after a previous history of mediocrity (or worse).

If you simply find McCown's path hilarious… well, then I laugh alongside you.

[Texas Vike]

It's Josh Freaking McCown from crying out loud.

I'm guessing that's exactly what Dallas' D was saying last night!

[dead_poet]

My question, DP, is why did Cutler look average in the same system earlier in the season?

Average is relative. I'm pretty sure he was on pace to break most (if not all) of his previous career highs (save for possibly '08 in Denver). His completion percentage is higher than it's ever been in Chicago and he was on pace to throw more touchdown passes than he ever has in a Bears uniform. He's also been playing injured some, which has some bearing.

We have to give McCown SOME credit).

Of course we do. Though, his career passer rating was 71.2 before he met Trestman. Even when he started 13 games with a young Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald in Arizona in 2004, it was 74.1. Trestman has something of a reputation for getting the best out of his quarterbacks.

I'm simply pointing out that a guy who has floated around the league, and OTHER leagues even, has finally become successful. The QB position is a freaking enigma and I find it fascinating that a guy like McCown can suddenly, at 34, find serious success in the NFL after a previous history of mediocrity (or worse).

It IS fascinating.

FWIW, here are a couple quotes from noteworthy people:

CBS Analyst Phil Simms: “If I could be a quarterback for any coach in professional football, with no hesitation, I would take ( Marc Trestman ) as a coach, along with Matt Cavanaugh, the quarterbacks coach. And I want to run their offense. It’s so clear, so precise. Jay Cutler was playing exceptionally well. And now we see Josh McCown – he knows what he’s doing every play. You can tell there’s a calmness about him. Why are they so calm? Because they are prepared and they feel good about what they’re doing going into the game. (The Bears) protect the quarterback.”

Rich Gannon on Marc Trestman: I think he’s a terrific football coach. I had the opportunity to go there and spend a day with the Bears and the quarterbacks. I was very impressed with not just Marc, but that whole quarterback room… (Josh McCown) said that the thing that has impressed him the most is Marc’s poise. What Marc talks about on Wednesday and Thursday usually happens on Sunday. And when it doesn’t, he doesn’t panic. He doesn’t scrap the game plan. He stays the course.”

[Texas Vike]

Average is relative. I'm pretty sure he was on pace to break most (if not all) of his previous career highs (save for possibly '08 in Denver). His completion percentage is higher than it's ever been in Chicago and he was on pace to throw more touchdown passes than he ever has in a Bears uniform. He's also been playing injured some, which has some bearing.
Of course we do. Though, his career passer rating was 71.2 before he met Trestman. Even when he started 13 games with a young Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald in Arizona in 2004, it was 74.1. Trestman has something of a reputation for getting the best out of his quarterbacks.
It IS fascinating.

FWIW, here are a couple quotes from noteworthy people:

Thanks for posting these quotes. Very interesting takes. It will be interesting to see what the Bears do and whether they choose to cash in on McCown's perceived increase in value.