The Chicago Bears and Jay Cutler are entering an important season for the franchise as new head coach Marc Trestman takes over for Lovie Smith and despite making the Super Bowl once, the team felt it was best to move on from Smith and with the quarterback entering a contract year, a ton is on the line for the Bears in 2013.
Cutler has been a very productive quarterback since coming into the NFL and he has put up some very good numbers for the Bears over the past few seasons, but many have questioned whether he is a "winner" or not and this could be a year to prove that he is. While the Super Bowl isn't impossible for the team, Cutler and the Bears have as good a chance as anyone to make the playoffs and depending on what happens, Cutler could get a huge pay day or an extension if he can get the team into the playoffs and win a couple games.
Cutler played sparingly in the opening preseason game against the Carolina Panthers in Week 1 and now the Bears are dealing with a couple injuries heading into next week, including to defensive tackle Henry Melton, who suffered a concussion on Friday night. According to ESPN.com, Melton suffered a concussion in Friday's game against the Panthers and left early and did not return and coach Trestman said after the game that he was no day to day and his status for next week's game would depend on the testing, which includes four different stages a player must pass before coming back.
The team is also dealing with a concussion injury to receiver Earl Bennett and his play this season will be very important, as Brandon Marshall totally dominated the passing game last year, catching over 100 balls and now the Bears need some other players at the position to step up. Nate Collins came in for Melton and he could get more time next week depending on how the testing turns out. Marshall is expected to have another big year and if Bennett can get into the mix along with new tight end Martellus Bennett, that could open things up for Trestman and quarterback Jay Cutler.
The Bears won in the final week last season but missed the playoffs and Love Smith was fired despite winning 10 games once again. The Bears have high expectations this season and are expecting to compete for a playoff spot and the title in the NFC Central.