Bears QB Jay Cutler 'shocked' to learn he had been benched
Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutlersaid that he was shocked upon learning that he had been benched in favor of Jimmy Clausen for Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions. Addressing reporters at a press conference on Thursday, Cutler added that he would like to remain in Chicago.
ESPN's Adam Schefter first reported the benching on Wednesday and Bears coach Marc Trestman confirmed it on Thursday. Trestman said the decision was "performance-based" and that Cutler is "coachable." He added that he thinks the team needs a "lift" at quarterback.
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In limited action during three games this season, Clausen has completed 33 percent of his passes for 42 yards and zero touchdowns. The Bears signed Clausen in June after he spent the previous four seasons with the Panthers.
Clausen, a second-round pick in the 2010 draft out of Notre Dame, completed 52.5 percent of his passes for 1,558 yards and three touchdowns with nine interceptions in his rookie season. Cam Newton took over as Carolina's starting quarterback in 2011 after the team selected him with the No. 1 pick in that year's draft.
The 27-year-old Clausen takes over as the Bears' starter with the team having lost three consecutive games. In January, the Bears reached a seven-year contract extension with Jay Cutler, who has struggled this season.
A recent report said that the team has "buyer's remorse" about the deal. Cutler has thrown a league-high 18 interceptions this season. The Bears are 5-9 and in last place in the NFC North.
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- Chris Johnson
