How about that Virgo kid? A star was almost born, but not quite. Before B.J. Raji's interception return for a touchdown, I had visions of NFL GMs contacting the Bears inquiring about Caleb's availability. There may still be some of that waiting in the wings. The Seahawks have done stranger things.
He gave them quite a spark, and it was damn unlikely too. Of course, the Packer defense gave him short-shrift, but he made them pay for it. As it happens, Hanie finished 2-2: 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. Still, he was far more effective than Cutler in this Championship game. He stepped up and answered the bell on a big stage. He wasn't overwhelmed and he didn't fold. That means something.
Would you deal Hanie if a fellow GM comes calling for him? My answer would be "hell no!" Knowing that Todd Collins could not get it done, I would release him immediately, and I would declare Hanie the 2nd stringer in the same breath. Knowing that Cutler is going in for... perhaps... a difficult surgery and intense rehab, I would give Hanie all the snaps in OTAs and mini-camp... presuming there is any such thing in 2011. Until Cutler returns, Hanie is the presumptive #1. Keep him around. Give him a promotion. Let him know he played his way to a reward.
Of course, if Dr. Andrews says no, and if this only a 4 week injury...
