With each game, Josh McCown's cheering section grows.
After executing a superb game plan in the Chicago Bears' 23-20 overtime victory over the Baltimore Ravens, McCown said he appreciates the fan support, but he's just keeping the seat warm for the injured Jay Cutler.
"I'm the backup quarterback on this team," McCown said, per the Chicago Tribune. "The way that I serve my team is to play when the starter is not healthy. Jay is our starting quarterback, there is no doubt about that."
McCown is proving to be the definition of a great backup quarterback: a solid player who can play well in a few series or win a few games and isn't going to lose because of boneheaded mistakes.
As McCown continues to play well, questions about Cutler's future with the franchise will be debated. However, Cutler's status for the remainder of the season is not being questioned within the walls of Halas Hall.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Sunday on NFL Network's "NFL GameDay Morning" that he asked a Bears source if McCown could push for Cutler's job. He was told, "No, Jay is our quarterback."
On NFL Network
NFL Replay
will re-air the
Chicago Bears' 23-20 win over the
Baltimore Ravens from Week 11 on Tuesday, Nov. 19 at 2 p.m. ET.
McCown's play is a direct reflection of how coach Marc Trestman prepares and utilizes the strengths of his quarterbacks. On Sunday, Trestman relied on his ground game, and he didn't put McCown in situations where he'd have to throw into a stiff wind.
The 11-year NFL quarterback knows his limitations, especially against the wind at Soldier Field.
"It was definitely one of those days -- you look across the field and see Joe Flacco and look on the sideline and Jay is over there -- and I'm like, 'Can I borrow somebody's arm?'" McCown said. "It was definitely one of those days where I wish I could spin it like those guys, but we were able to get it done."
McCown has gotten it done in relief, but the Bears need Cutler back healthy to help close the deal in a tight NFC North race.
- We recapped every Week 11 game on the latest "Around The League Podcast." *
