In Part 2 of our Q&A with Mike Praser, the lead editor of Bear Goggles On, we discussed thee Chicago Bear’s new offensive philosophy under new Head Coach Marc Trestman, and got a prediction of how the Week 1 matchup between the two clubs will play out.
Feb 21, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Chicago Bears coach Marc Trestman speaks at a press conference during the 2013 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
3. Describe Marc Trestman and his offensive philosophy. How did the Bears run their offense in 2012, and how different will it look under him?
Marc Trestman’s offense should look a lot like what Jim Harbaugh is running in San Francisco. In a recent interview with ESPN Radio, Jim Harbaugh said,
"We use (Marc Trestman’s) system still of calling plays and the way he taught us those concepts and techniques. I’ve used (those) since I coached with the Raiders, the University of San Diego, Stanford and the 49ers."
According to Stats from NFL.com, in 2012 the Chicago Bears ranked 28th in total offense, 29th in passing offense and 10th in rushing offense. Don’t be fooled by the 10th in rushing offense because if you watched the games, the Bears didn’t run the ball as effectively or efficiently as the numbers tell you. The difference between last year and this year will hopefully be that this year will be more fun to watch. It was so boring last year for the most part.
Dec 30, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) before the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
5. Is this a make-or-break season for Jay Cutler, and how would you rank him among the league’s best quarterbacks?
This Bears fan doesn’t think that it is a make-or-break season for Jay Cutler. If Jay Cutler doesn’t perform this year under new coach Marc Trestman, then he doesn’t get paid the big contract. The Bears have the option to franchise him the next two seasons. The Bears won’t cut ties with Cutler regardless of his performance. Who else are they going to get? Jay Cutler is the best quarterback the Bears have had since Sid Luckman and that was in the 1940’s.
I view Cutler as a top 15 Quarterback in the league. Here is how I come to that conclusion. For arguments sake, let’s say Jay sucks it up this upcoming season and the Bears let him walk. How many teams would be waiting in line willing to pay him top dollar to be the quarterback of their team? It will probably be easier to name the teams that wouldn’t sign him. Patriots, Ravens, Bengals, Steelers, Texans, Colts, Broncos, Chargers, Cowboys, Giants, Bears(Because they cut him), Packers, Falcons and Saints. That’s 14 teams that wouldn’t need his services, so top 15.
6. How does this matchup play out? What ends up being the deciding factors, and who comes out on top?
The last 2 seasons, the Bears have destroyed their home opener opponents. I honestly don’t see that happening again this year. I think the Bears will win the game, but it will be a lot closer of a score. I just give them the edge due to being at home and the Bengals having no real film of Marc Trestman’s new offense.
Be sure to follow Michael Praser on Twitter: @bearseveryday
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