Trestman: Don't Expect Big Changes To Offense With McCown At QB
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The Chicago Bears might have to play without starting quarterback Jay Cutler for a few weeks, but don't expect to see a different strategy on offense with backup Josh McCown taking snaps until Cutler is healthy.
Head coach Marc Trestman said there won't be a lot of changes on offense while McCown is starting, given how well he did in relief for Cutler against the Redskins last week.
"I don't know that much is going to change. I mean, I think we got a good taste of that a week ago in Washington. Josh came in, and handled the plays that we had called, and that we had in our game plan, without any reps, without any work at practice," Trestman told WBBM Newsradio's Josh Liss on Monday. "We feel very good that he'll be able to distribute the ball, and manage the running game, and do the things necessary for our offense to stay on the field, and move the football, and score."
Marc Trestman with Josh Liss
As for the defense, which will be without its own captain, linebacker Lance Briggs, for a few weeks as well, Trestman said the entire unit will have to step up. The Bears likely will start two rookies at linebacker against the Packers next Monday, with second round draft pick Jon Bostic now starting at middle linebacker, after D.J. Williams was lost for the season; and fourth round draft pick Khaseem Greene likely filling in for Briggs while he recovers from a shoulder injury.
"We've got to expect their best," Trestman said of Bostic and Greene. "I think the big thing is that the guys around them have to support them; not by doing extra, just by doing their job."
"It's about each and every player just focusing in on their work, their job, their fits, their spots on the field, and that will give us the best chance to have success on the defensive side of the ball," he added.
The Bears return to practice Monday, after having last week off for their bye week. They'll also have Wednesday off before going to Green Bay for their Monday night game against the Packers in a week.
