The buzz phrase often used with McCarron is “game manager.” He’s not the type who will win games with his right arm. He’ll keep the offense on schedule and the turnovers to a minimum. It worked wonders at the college level but such types have a harder time winning championships in the pros. So the question becomes is this really true or was the system he played in a mask for what he could really do?
Some believe the latter might be the case.
Something else to consider is that McCarron is actually more experienced than Garoppolo. He’s started four games including one in the playoffs. During that stretch he went 2-2 with 764 yards, five touchdowns and just one interception. Not elite numbers but commendable considering they were his first four starts ever.
So why would the Bears consider him? For starters he’d almost certainly be cheaper than Garoppolo. Both Cleveland and San Francisco are considered players for the Patriots backup. That will certainly drive the price higher. McCarron, being a year older and a lower draft pick means it wouldn’t take as much to get him. Likely no more than a third rounder. Then there’s the fact he fits exactly what they’re looking for.
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Nice to see someone argue for McCarron. He's a fallback plan for others. Bears could strike a affordable cost while others hunt big fish.
— Chris Roling (@Chris_Roling) February 3, 2017
John Fox has said he wants a quarterback with a winning mentality. McCarron did nothing but that at Alabama. Ryan Pace values somebody with experience and who can throw with accuracy. He checks both of those boxes as well. Best of all he fits the type of offense the Bears are becoming. Run the ball with Jordan Howard, play good defense, and don’t turn it over. That was the ‘Bama system in a nutshell.
If they can’t get Garoppolo and aren’t liking the draft options, then a Chicago Bears A.J. McCarron union is definitely something to watch for.
