Chicago Bears will Bench Cutler, Start Jimmy Clausen

Multiple sources are reporting that the Chicago Bears will bench quarterback Jay Cutler and give the start to Jimmy Clausen this Sunday. ESPN was the first to report on this story on Wednesday. But other outlets, including the Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Sun-Times, have also cited sources stating that Clausen will play against the Detroit Lions

The Bears have not confirmed the move. However, coach Marc Trestman did addressed the fat that he was not getting the most out of his quarterback. Trestman is known for getting quarterbacks to produce and play to their potential.

"I think that's evident I haven't, up to this point," said Trestman according to USA Today Sports. "Am I working at it? Yes. But we've seen moments, but we haven't done it on a consistent basis. I can't hide from that. I haven't been able and we haven't been able to do the thing that we want to get done. We're working toward that. But the answer to that is obvious."

When asked about "Monday Night Football" analyst Jon Gruden's opinions regarding a quarterback switch, Trestman responded, "Jon certainly has a right to his opinion, And each and every week we go through our evaluations all the way around and as I said, Jon's got a right to his opinion."

Cutler is currently leading the NFL in interceptions (18) and turnovers (24). His performance in Monday night's 31-15 loss against the Saints was one of his worst this season. Cutler completed 17 of 31 passes for 194 yards. He was sacked seven times and threw three interceptions.

Cutler is the highest-paid offensive player in the league this season, making $22.5 million this year. He signed a seven-year contract at the end of last season.

Clausen has played in three games this season. He completed three of nine passes. As a rookie back in 2010, he was 1-9 in 10 starts with the Carolina Panthers.

"His ability to handle the adversity that he had in his first year, his leadership qualities, he stood up tall through a lot of tough times in Carolina, and gained the respect of his teammates and the team there with the way he handled himself in a very, very difficult year," Trestman said about Clausen getting the backup spot over Jordan Palmer, according to ESPN Chicago. "So that, plus performance, plus experience, plus youth were a lot of the reasons."

The Bears (5-9), who have missed the playoffs for the seventh time in eight years, will host the Detroit Lions (10-4).