Connor Shaw Has a Future With the Chicago Bears

With the exception of quarterback Josh McCown’s hope-filled season with the Chicago Bears as Jay Cutler’s relief, third-string Connor Shaw displayed a similar hope.

It’s always a worrisome event come game day when quarterback Jay Cutler steps on the field. Fans and coaches are on edge, anticipating if he will escape the sack uninjured. Every year there is an injury. Whether it is a knee injury, thumb injury, groin injury or concussion, a Cutler backup has to be ready and waiting. This isn’t a dig or attack on Cutler’s ability to play, not at all. When Cutler is healthy and protected, he is at his best. But that is not the realistic world of the NFL.

For the past seven years, there has been a revolving door of backup quarterbacks. The latest to join the ranks is veteran Brian Hoyer, with the return of a third-string competition between David Fales and Connor Shaw. Shaw was an accidental surprise for the Bears. The Cleveland Browns released him in June of 2016. However, the Saints were interested in Shaw and meant to send a letter to the NFL league office of their intent to take him off waivers. But instead, they sent it to all 31 teams and the Bears jumped on it since they had first dibs on waiver claims due to a poor 2015 record. Saints loss, Bears gain.

When Shaw stepped out on the field for his chance to prove he could be a pocket passer, he did not disappoint. His ability to command the offense with certainty was evident, even if it was for a short time. He did not hesitate to move around or run if he had the opportunity. In his first preseason game with the Bears, Week 2, Shaw closes the fourth quarter by moving in the pocket, running to his right and finding space. He finds his man and sails one to the end zone in the hands of wide receiver BJ Daniels.

He was the only one to throw a touchdown in that game. Hoyer, on the other hand, threw an interception in his second start. However, he was still able to move the ball just not able to connect.

Aug 27, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Connor Shaw (8) is taken off the field after an injury at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports

In Week 3 against the Kansas City Chiefs, Shaw was methodical finding his targets and finding space. In the fourth quarter with 5:45 on the clock, Shaw again under pressure, hustles to his right and throws to wide receiver Cameron Meridith for a touchdown, which was the only touchdown of the game. Shaw went 5-for-6 for 68 yards and a touchdown. He made it clear that he was going to move up the ladder, squeezing in on that number three spot behind Hoyer, easily edging out Fales. Some would even say he had the number two slot locked in.

But as quickly as the excitement filled the minds of Bears fans, the air was let out as Shaw is yanked down by Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Rakeem Nunez-Roches. As Nunez-Roches lifted both of his legs off the ground to pull Shaw to the ground, he landed on Shaw’s leg and snapped it in the most gruesome manner.

The promising quarterback was dealt a season-ending injury. However, he is only 25 years old and has a bright future ahead of him. The Bears sure think so, as they placed him on injured reserve so that he still had a place on the roster.

It is not the first time that Shaw has dealt with adversity while playing football. In 2013, while playing for the South Carolina Gamecocks, he suffered a knee strain. But the following week — sick and still nursing the knee — he came back and led the Gamecocks from a 17-point deficit to beat the Missouri Tigers 27-24. That’s the kind of drive and perseverance that makes Shaw so valuable. As soon as Shaw is able, he will be going through physical therapy and strength training to prepare himself for next season.

If Cutler performs at his best this season and takes the Chicago Bears to the playoffs, then his job is secure. If not, they will be looking to start a young, fresh, agile quarterback who could give them more years than Hoyer, who is currently 31 years of age. Either way, Shaw has a future with the Bears and fans liked what they see.