MY TAKE ON THE JAY CUTLER DEAL

So by now it is old news that Jay Cutler has been traded to the dreaded Bears. I talked about my thoughts of possible trades to the NFC North the other day. Acquiring Jay Cutler definitely helps Chicago, but I think that they definitely slowed their all around team improvement process by making this deal:

Chicago Gets:
Jay Cutler
2009 5th Round Pick

Denver Gets:
Kyle Orton
2009 1st Round Pick
2009 3rd Round Pick
2010 1st Round Pick

So they improved at a position that has basically been a revolving door since Jim McMahon. They desperately needed a quarterback. But what about the rest of the team? By giving up two first round picks and a third round pick, they have drastically lowered the chances of actually getting a wide receiver for Cutler to throw to. Right now he has Devin Hester, a realistic number 3 receiver, as his number one option. The defense has been very questionable over the past few years, and could definitely use some new blood to regain the physicality and fear it had just a few years ago during their Super Bowl run.

They also signed Orlando Pace yesterday in an attempt to sure up the left tackle position. I'm on board with this move for Daaaa Bears. They needed somebody, and a seven time Pro Bowler can be the answer. But if I'm Jerry Angelo, I'm not done yet. They need to take a serious look into acquiring Torry Holt or Marvin Harrison. Neither is at the skill level they once were, but Angelo can't give up so much for a top-tier quarterback and then leave him out to dry with no options. Trading for Jay Cutler was a great move for the Chicagoans, but by giving up so much to acquire him, he has become just the first step in a number of moves that must be made to justify this blockbuster deal.

STILL PLAYERS AVAILABLE TO FILL HOLES

While Ted Thompson insists that he is confident in the Packers' roster as is, many people still feel that there are holes that need to be filled in order to improve on 2008's 6-10 record. Offensive tackle, the defensive line, and cornerback are three of the main areas of concern, and Jeff Maillet pointed out this morning that there are still many quality free agents who can fit Titletown USA's needs. This includes offensive tackle Orlando Pace (a former number one draft pick), Tank Johnson and Darwin Walker who are slated as defensive tackles but fit the size mold of an end in the 3-4, and Ken Lucas and Chris McAlister who are both aging like Al Harris and Charles Woodson, but could definitely be temporary help for a team that has a chance to win now. Call me crazy for thinking that the Packers can win right now after going 6-10 in '08, but at a majority of positions, the talent is there. If these few holes are filled and the team stays healthy, unlike last season, the Pack is right back in the running for the NFC North.