Trestman on benching Cutler: We need a spark

Citing the need for a spark at the quarterback position, Bears coach Marc Trestman explained his decision to bench Jay Cutler and his $126.7 million contract in favor of Jimmy Clausen, whose last start was almost four years ago when he went 1-9 as a rookie with the Carolina Panthers.

Trestman said it was a "difficult" decision to sit Cutler, who has been the Bears' starter when healthy for six years.

"I know this is not a good time for Jay," Trestman said. "But I've seen careers revived in situations like this, and I think that will happen with Jay."

Cutler said he was initially "shocked" by the decision and the thought that he would never again play for the Bears "definitely crossed my mind."

Cutler, who added that he "did not take the news well," said he would do whatever he can to help Clausen. Cutler is 44-37 as a starter in Chicago, in addition to 1-1 in the postseason.

Though difficult, Trestman felt the change was necessary because, he said, "We need better play at the quarterback position. We need a lift at the quarterback position. We need a spark."

Clausen has thrown just 9 passes in NFL games since his last start in the final week of the 2010 season. Asked if two days of practice was a fair amount of time for him to prepare for the Lions' top-rated defense, he said, "It doesn't matter if it's fair."

• Bob LeGere will have more later today on the Bears. Follow him on Twitter@BobLeGere.