Cutler is the New Farvre
Vinnie Iyer - SportingNews.com
Dec 21, 2010
Three observations from watching the Chicago Bears clinch the NFC North with their 40-14 victory over the Minnesota Vikings:
1. Brett Favre looks like he has played his last NFL down
Sensing his swan song was near and wanting to give it a go under the Monday night lights for one last time, Favre started despite a sprained shoulder joint in the highly unfavorable weather outdoors in Minneapolis. Favre thrived in such weather with the Packers, so this was a last chance to recapture his magic.
Now with a he said was concussion added to his list of ailments this season, Favre must fight the temptation of playing against Michael Vick and the Eagles on Sunday night and quietly go into retirement.
"I knew it was the last home game," Favre said afterward. "This also may seem kind of crazy, but I was looking forward to playing in a blizzard."
Favre said he wanted to play one more time in front of the Vikings fans who have come to embrace him in his two seasons in purple.
"It made a lot of sense that, if this were the last game, to play it here in front of our fans," Favre said.
He didn't rule out playing again this season, but didn't sound as if he had much left, either.
"My last pass was just as much fun as my first one," Favre said.
As far Monday, the Bears figured they might see Favre one more time.
"There were a few friendly wagers in the quarterback room on whether Brett would be out there," said Bears QB Jay Cutler, who had a cut on his chin after a hit from Antoine Winfield and played with a big bandage. "I wasn't surprised at all."
2. Cutler has a lot of Favre in him.
If Favre fades into the sunset, it will leave another quarterback in the division with many of the same characteristics. Cutler struggled with an interception-riddled first season with the Bears, but under Mike Martz, he's maintained his gun-slinging style while cutting back on mistakes.
He will never be a safety-first QB, but Cutler gives the Bears a consistently more dangerous offense. His moxie will make it difficult for them to lose at home in the playoffs.
"By no means are we completely satisfied," Cutler said. "We know we can be so much better offensively."
3. Joe Webb showed enough to compete to be Favre's replacement.
It was obvious that Webb, a 2010 sixth-round pick, has great athleticism, as demonstrated by his 38 yards rushing and 13-yard touchdown run. It was also clear, as expected, he is a raw passer. Because of his potential Webb deserves at least a long look in training camp.
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