With only one game under their belt the Chicago Bears seem to be have an early quarterback controversy to tend to. With Cutler locked in at the starting spot, the Bears have two young quarterbacks battling for the number 2 role on the roster and coach Smith announced an early change at the number 2 spot on Monday.
For the first preseason game against the Buffalo Bills Caleb Hanie got the nod as the teams back-up quarterback. Hanie went 3 for 7 for 32 yards and scored once on a 4-yard scramble early in the second quarter during Saturday’s game at Soldier Field. Although Hanie didn’t have an outstanding game he did manage to stay calm and collected while in the pocket despite the fact that he was sacked 3 times.
That being said the news of a switch at the number 2 spot was a surprise, especially since it happened so soon into the preseason. Bears head coach Lovie Smith announced that Nathan Enderle was being moved into the second team quarterback role in place of
Caleb Hanie and multiple sources have reported that Lovie Smith has said that Enderle’s move wasn’t a reward for his performance during Saturdays game versus Buffalo. Enderle did play well however, completing 7 of 10 passes for 110 yards and aside from his one interception it is easy to see that Enderle did outplay his fellow competitor, Hanie.
Coach Smith also dismissed the rumors that the change at number 2 wasn’t a punishment for Hanie’s below average performance. This move brings up many questions revolving around the Quarterback position.
What Does this mean for Hanie, will he stay at number three or is this just a small bump in an otherwise quiet road for the 6 foot 4 inch signal caller? This could also hint at a possible signing of a veteran back-up, if so who will they sign and when?
All questions aside it looks as if Enderle will get his shot as back-up quarterback this Monday in New York on ESPN.
