After what seemed like months of searching for a passing game coordinator, the Bears finally got their . . . Oh wait . . . sorry, he's just a QB coach. Alrighty then. Carry on.
In all seriousness, the Bears made a really good move. It might be safe to say that Jay Cutler feels more comfortable than he ever has since arriving to Chicago in 2009. Jeremy Bates and Cutler worked very well together in Denver and this move makes more sense than any of the other reported options.
After the debacle in trying to get Bates here originally, when he decided to go to USC and follow Pete Carol to Seattle. It took a while, but Cutler finally got his guy.
Now who knows who really pushed to get Bates, but I'm going to give Emery another thumbs up. Especially seeing as prior to Emery’s hire, it was reported that the Bears would not go after Bates at all—essentially because they were mad at him to not choosing them in 2010.
What is this middle school? But, sadly, that does sound like the Bears’ MO. It seems to me that Emery likely squashed that nonsense from the start. Angelo would have tried to force Lovie to go to Walmart and hire the guy buying a football for his son. Yes, I’m still taking cheap shots at Jerry. It’s just too easy.
There have been reports that Bates and Cutler used to have cursing fits which resulted in Cutler leaving the facility in Denver at time or two. But I wouldn't expect that here. Both guys were younger back then, and at least Cutler seems to have matured these days.
This has to be a near-dream scenario for Cutler (it will be if they get him a real wide receiver)—Mike Tice is letting him help shape the offense and is throwing every 7-step drop play out of the playbook. He’ll even let Jay—get this—audible at the line of scrimmage. Wow! What a novel idea. I wonder if any other teams do that? Yes, still taking shots at Martz, too. Sue me.
Tice also said they would go back to see what Cutler excelled with back in Denver—where he had arguably his most productive season as a QB. Now with Bates on board, that is a guarantee.
Hey, you know what? This could actually turn into a 21st century offense for the first time in Bears history. With the right free agent acquisitions and draft picks, the Bears could find themselves with a pretty legit offense. Nice.
Filed under: Coaches and Management
Tags: Jeremy Bates
Nice article. It's almost unbelievable to me that they didn't do this the first year here in Chicago-but they obviously didn't. Have seen every play of Cutler's career (Bears and Broncos fan). He's such a different QB in Chicago. If they just go back and get his highlight film from Denver and combine it with what's worked in Chicago- wow.
I'm trying not to overplay what brining in Bates really means in terms of production on the field. But I also have a hunch that he will have a significant role in the passing game, as Lovie Smith originally said the new guy would. I think there's real potential for success with the current offensive staff. A wide receiver would really add to that! *Hint *Hint