It's Official: McCown Is The QB

The Josh McCown era has officially begun. Say a prayer.

The Bears named the man who was coaching high school football just a few months ago as their starting quarterback for Sunday's game against the Packers. He is replacing Caleb Hanie, who has earned a quarterback rating of 41.8 in four starts.

For McCown, the opportunity to compete again is a dream come true.

"Never thought it would go down this road. This is another opportunity to come out and compete. You can't be anything but excited," McCown said at a press conference at Halas Hall.

Despite his optimism, McCown is realistic about the challenge before him: First start in years. Against Green Bay. On national television. On Christmas.

"It's not ideal for anybody in any offense to come in this late," he said. "But at the same time, as a competitor, you understand where the other guys are at and you've got to get ready and go out and play well."

McCown played for Mike Martz in Detroit, but he is still is learning the Bears playbook.

Going from coaching high schoolers to starting in the NFL does sound like the plot of a Hollywood production, but McCown would rather focus on the game than a Cinderella story.

"For me it's a cool story and a cool moment, but I'm a competitor and I want to win the game and do right by the coaches."

Chicago has been in a freefall at quarterback since Jay Cutler broke his thumb. They tried to get Kyle Orton throw waivers, but were beat out for him by the Kansas City Chiefs. McCown was signed to back up Hanie, but Hanie's struggles had been a key factor to the Bears losses. McCown hasn't started a game since 2007. He threw two passes for Chicago on Sunday. One was completed, and one was intercepted.

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