Neckbeard Takes a Detour to Kansas City, Hanie Starts for Bears

By Chuck Sudo in News on Nov 24, 2011 5:00PM

As expected, former Denver and Bears quarterback Kyle Orton was claimed off waivers yesterday by the Kansas City Chiefs. With Chiefs QB Matt Casell out and Tyler Palko ineffective Monday night against New England, the Chiefs prevented The Return of the Neckbeard to Chicago. Curiously, Dallas also placed a claim on Orton, proving once again that most fantasy football team owners make better management decisions than Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.

Undeterred, the Bears went to Plan B and signed Ivan Drago lookalike Josh McCown to the roster as Caleb Hanie's backup. McCown has familiarity with offensive coordinator Mike Martz's offense, having played in Detroit in 2006.

McCown's signing means the Bears are determined to have Lovie Smith tell media over and over, "Caleb Hanie is our quarterback" until Jay Cutler returns from his thumb injury. Cutler underwent surgery at the Steadman Clinic in Vail, CO yesterday. Cutler tweeted that the surgery went well and he sounded upbeat.

Hanie met with media at Halas Hall yesterday and didn't sound nervous about making his first career start Sunday against Oakland. His chiseled jawline also had Steelers fan Samantha Abernethy swooning.

Hanie said of his preparation, "You have the whole week to think about it so you get a little more nervous, but at the same time if you prepare the right way you'll be confident going into the game.'