Why Chicago Bears Will Regret Loyalty to Caleb Hanie

The injury to to Jay Cutler's thumb completely changed the NFC playoff picture. Prior to his injury, the Chicago Bears rattled off five straight victories and appeared to be a legitimate Super Bowl contender. However, things have completely fallen apart and the Bears are now on the outside looking in.

One of the biggest reasons for their current three-game losing streak has been the poor play of Caleb Hanie. Chicago's backup quarterback is only completing 51 percent of his passes and owns a 48.6 quarterback rating. His inability to move the football has cost the Bears significant ground in the playoff race.

Chicago only averaged 11 points per game with Hanie under center. Their offseason commitment to Hanie appears likely to cost them a shot at the playoffs.

Offensive coordinator Mike Martz has never been a big fan of Hanie. Last season, Martz kept veteran Todd Collins ahead of Hanie on the depth chart, even after an atrocious performance against Carolina.

Finding a backup quarterback capable of stepping in and playing good football is a tough task. It is even tougher when you ask that quarterback to play in Martz's system, play behind this Bears offensive line and throw to this group of receivers.

Chicago should have been better prepared for a Cutler injury. They knew that the offensive line was below average and would allow a lot of hits on the quarterback. Adding a capable and proven backup could have saved the Bears' season.

Instead, the Bears will need to win the next three games with Hanie at quarterback. Those games include a matchup against the undefeated Green Bay Packers. I highly doubt Hanie will be able to produce enough points to keep pace with the Packers. Rodgers and company scored 27 points in their Week 3 matchup.