Bears quarterback Josh McCown was responsible for five touchdowns on Monday night, which was good enough for both a victory over the Cowboys and the NFC’s offensive player of the week honor.
The NFL announced McCown’s prize on Wednesday, two days after his sparkling play led the Bears to a 45-28 win that was crucial for their hopes of making it to the playoffs this season. Other than their final possession when they took a knee to run out the clock, the Bears scored every time they had the ball on Monday.
McCown completed 27-of-36 passes for 348 yards and four touchdowns. He also ran for a touchdown and is the first Bears quarterback ever to have a hand in five touchdowns in a single game without throwing an interception.
McCown has played very well since Jay Cutler was knocked out of the lineup with a sprained ankle, completing 70 percent of his passes while throwing nine touchdowns and one interception. It’s been a remarkable run for a 34-year-old journeyman quarterback who has never stopped referring to himself as Cutler’s backup while lighting up opposing defenses and the player of the week mention is a well deserved one.
Coach Marc Trestman said this week that Cutler will play once he’s cleared to return, but that hasn’t happened yet and McCown is continuing to ensure that there’s no need to rush unless Cutler’s return is going to somehow help a defense that cannot stop the run.