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Jaworski: Cutler Deal Would Be A No-Brainer

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Former NFL quarterback and ESPN analyst Ron Jaworski says Jay Cutler, left, would make the Bucs a winner but praised Luke McCown, right, as a talented passer who could flourish if given an opportunity to be Tampa Bay's starter in 2009.

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By IRA KAUFMAN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 24, 2009

Updated: 03/24/2009 07:29 am

DANA POINT, Calif - As far as Ron Jaworski is concerned, Tampa Bay's interest in acquiring Jay Cutler is a no-brainer.

The ESPN analyst and former NFL quarterback says the Buccaneers would likely be a dangerous team this fall if they find a way to secure the services of Denver's disgruntled Pro Bowl quarterback.

"That's the missing link in Tampa right now," Jaworski said at the owners' meetings. "You get a quarterback who can sling it and who knows how far Tampa Bay could go in 2009?''

Jaworski lauded Cutler's rare talent but acknowledged the 25-year-old passer hasn't handled himself well since rookie Broncos head coach Josh McDaniel attempted to trade for New England's Matt Cassel last month.

"I'm still a big Jay Cutler guy and I think he'll grow from this, but right now, he looks foolish,'' Jaworski said of Cutler's evident bruised feelings. "I thought he was a very mature player, but the way he's reacted to this situation shows some immaturity.

"Having said that, I still think he's the best young quarterback in the game. When do you get an opportunity to get a 25-year-old quarterback this good? He may have the most physical tools of any quarterback in the league. He has a strong arm, the ability to move and throw on the run and he can make defenses defend the field from sideline to sideline. He's got touch with a gunslinger's mentality – quite a combination.''

Jaworski praised Bucs quarterback Luke McCown as a talented passer who could flourish if given an opportunity to be Tampa Bay's starter in 2009.

"I think McCown has the physical ability to start, but he'll need someone on the sidelines with faith in him because the worst thing for a quarterback is if he feels the next time he throws an interception, he'll get the hook,'' said Jaworski. "You've got to give a Luke McCown the latitude to make some bad plays and some bad decisions without having the coach say you've got a short leash. McCown deserves that opportunity."

Along with thousands of Buc fans, Jaworski was stunned by Tampa Bay's defensive collapse in December, which began on a Monday night at Carolina.

"We had that game against the Panthers on ESPN, and it was the worst Buccaneer defensive performance I think I've ever seen,'' Jaworski said. "They didn't hit. … They didn't tackle. I know that team very well, and I remember being up there in the booth saying 'Those may be Buc uniforms, but those aren't Buc players.' After that game, they lost their confidence.''

The release of perennial Pro Bowl linebacker Derrick Brooks caused a stir in Tampa that Jaworski can relate to.

"I live in the Philadelphia area, and people there are still up in arms over the decision to release Brian Dawkins,'' he said, referring to Philadelphia's distinguished free safety. "It's the nature of the business. Derrick Brooks can still play, but not at the level he used to play. What will happen with Derrick is that teams will go to training camp, a couple of linebackers will get hurt and Derrick Brooks will go somewhere and help a team win.

"For Buc fans it's hard because there's an incredible association to a Derrick Brooks, with his community service and his leadership. But it's so important for your football decision-makers to take the emotion out of it - and the Bucs did that.''

Jaworski said the Bucs are clearly in rebuilding mode, placing them in the middle of the NFL pack at this point of the offseason.

"My biggest concern regarding Tampa Bay is where is the quarterback that's going to give you 16 games of consistent play?'' he said. "It's been their Achilles' heel over the last couple of years. You can't be a playoff team week in and week out without a quarterback giving you consistent play, and the Bucs just haven't gotten that at the position.''

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