Martz noncommital on Hanie as Cutler's backup

Martz noncommital on Hanie as Cutler's backup



By Vaughn McClure

INDIANAPOLIS -- Caleb Hanie's performance in relief of Jay Cutler during the NFC Championship Game seemed to help solidify him as the Bears' No. 2 quarterback. But offensive coordinator Mike Martz is not completely sold.

Asked Saturday if Hanie was the unquestioned backup behind Cutler, Martz was hesitant to make a firm commitment.

"I don't know. We will see," Martz said from the NFL scouting combine. "We don't have to worry about any of that right now."


Hanie, who is a restricted free agent, showed poise after Cutler suffered a second-degree MCL sprain in the 21-14 championship-game loss to Green Bay. Hanie engineered two scoring drives of 60-plus yards despite being the third and emergency quarterback.

Asked what Hanie could do to solidify his standing, Martz said, "He's fine. He just needs to get more time out there. That's it."

Many argued that Hanie should have been the backup all along, especially after veteran Todd Collins flopped in his three appearances, throwing five interceptions in 31 pass attempts. But Collins apparently performed better in practice.

As Martz looks forward to next season, he hopes the pecking order at quarterback doesn't backfire like it did in the NFC title game.

"Yes, we need another quarterback because we only have two right now," Martz said, referring to Cutler and Hanie, with Collins obviously out of the mix. "With Todd, that was a one-year deal."

Martz's primary concern is getting Cutler back healthy and helping him overcome his shortcomings. And he believes Cutler is willing to learn.

"Does he need to focus more? No," Martz said. "I'm pleased with that area. There's nothing wrong with him."

not sure the title goes with what martz said- personally think hanie proved he is a capable backup, and as hanie a RFA he will be back as the back up

"But Collins apparently performed better in practice." Did this Org learn nothing from the Rex Grossman years? As a Infamous nba star once said "...practice, what we talkin' about? Pracitice?..." If you have a game against Carolina like Collins did, you get benched and cut the next day.

Until I see otherwise, I see Haine in the doghouse b/c he made the coaches look stupid for having Collins at 2 and not at McDonalds.

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Originally Posted by Riczaj01

"But Collins apparently performed better in practice."

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Cool. Thats what the Practice Squad is for.

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Originally Posted by Jimmors

Cool. Thats what the Practice Squad is for.

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Collins is not even practice squad worthy.

Martz is just being either hard-headed or is going to drag out the "who is #2" so he does not look stupid for having Collins as a backup. Collins would be lucky to make a practice squat let alone the THIRD string.

The only veteran QB I would accept as being picked up by this team is (too obvious to state), but even then I'd concede that Hanie is THE NUMBER 2 guy. If I hear of any attempts to bring in another QB to battle it out with him for second string, I'll fire Angelo myself.

Martz's frilly lace panties are showing with that kind of a statement. Here's guy who doesn't think his offense can function without a vet QB on the bench in the #2 slot. Isn't that the only reason we signed Collins in the first place. What a f***ing pussy you are Mike Martz.

This is where both Lovie and JA need to take charge and tell him that he won't be getting his own way this year and that Hanie WILL be the number two guy. After that you get a rookie or 2nd year developmental guy as your #3 and scout team QB. If he wants someone with experience in practices he can just hire one of the many recently retired QB's, make him an offensive assistant, and let him work with the new guy and run the scout team.

Caleb Hanie has shown in every opportunity that he's been given that he deserves to be Cutler's backup and that alone will get him very little game time. Both Martz and Lovie should be downright embarrased that they even kept Collins on the team after his showing in the Carolina game. To have used him against the Packers in place of Hanie was simply shaming.

Screw you Mike Martz if you DON'T make Hanie your #2. Only an idiot would overlook his potential to be one of the best #2 QB's in the NFL. Hanie to Cutler can be what Gary Kubiak was to John Elway.

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Originally Posted by Riczaj01

"But Collins apparently performed better in practice." Did this Org learn nothing from the Rex Grossman years? As a Infamous nba star once said "...practice, what we talkin' about? Pracitice?..." If you have a game against Carolina like Collins did, you get benched and cut the next day.

Until I see otherwise, I see Haine in the doghouse b/c he made the coaches look stupid for having Collins at 2 and not at McDonalds.

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well as they 'tagged" him, i'd say they do value him as a #2.. money talks ALOT LOUDER than reports guesses

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Originally Posted by short faced bear

Martz is just being either hard-headed or is going to drag out the "who is #2" so he does not look stupid for having Collins as a backup. Collins would be lucky to make a practice squat let alone the THIRD string.

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collins is a F/A and not on bears no worries there