Jay Cutler finished the season for the Chicago Bears completing 294-of-460 passes, 64%, for 3,414 yards, 19 TDs and eight ints. Jay’s quarterback rating was the highest for his career at 92.8, which is a solid number. The Bears finished 5-9, but were in so many close games. Jay was without top wideout Alshon Jeffrey for at least six games, and top draft pick and super stud wide receiver Kevin White from West Virginia didn’t play at all this season because of injury. Jay's other top target, Eddie Royal, was out for most of the season as well. His two top tight ends, Martellus Bennett and Zach Miller, were out this past Sunday against the Lions, in a Bears loss. Bennett was injured quite a bit this season as well. Jay found a really good target in Miller. The future is bright for that QB-tight end combo.
So Jay was working with an inexperienced receiving corps for most of the season. I thought he had a great year for the most part. He really hit it off with offensive coordinator Adam Gase, who has been rumored to be in line for the Miami Dolphins head coaching job. If Gase gets a head job, Bears head coach John Fox is a master at getting top assistants and will hire another good offensive coordinator. Jay should be in Chicago next year, and with his receivers back and a much improved defense, the Bears should be right in the mix for the playoffs with a chance to go some distance.
Jordan Matthews had another solid year for the Eagles, though the Eagles were a little dysfunctional under Chip Kelly this season. JMatt caught 78 passes for 943 yards and six TDs, after posting 67 receptions for 872 yards and eight TDs in his rookie season last year, 2014. His future is so bright. Hopefully Philly can get a really good coach who can maximize the talent on this highly talented roster. Not sure why it didn’t work with Kelly. He’s a good coach overall. Just couldn’t get through to this team. JMatt should thrive in the future though.
Pedro Alvarez was non-tendered by the Pirates and is a free agent now. I’ve heard the Milwaukee Brewers are very interested. Mike Minor is on the market as well as the Braves let Mike go. Hopeful both will land on their feet and get good spots for this season. Dave Price is set with the Red Sox and Sonny Gray is firm in Oakland for now. Sonny has a year or two left on his rookie contract then he can go for really good money as a free agent if he can stay healthy.
Huge game for basketball tonight against the Razorbacks of Arkansas at Bud Walton Arena. Really need this one to get our season kickstarted again. 8 PM CT/ 9 PM ET SEC Network.
Will have a report tomorrow.