Just like the Patriots and Colts have traditionally done since they feature Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, respectively, at the game's most important position, the Monsters of the Midway look like they will open the 2009 regular season with only two quarterbacks on the 53-man roster.

After making the trade for Pro Bowler Jay Cutler in the offseason, the Bears have a difference maker under center for the first time in half a century. Since taking over for Jake Plummer 11 games into his rookie season with the Broncos, Cutler has proven to be every bit as durable as he has been prolific, starting 37 consecutive games. The Bears like what they see in second-year pro Caleb Hanie, who enjoyed another successful preseason and solidified his spot as the primary backup to Cutler.

Hanie is also reportedly going to be the only backup to Cutler, as Brett Basanez appears to have been a casualty on cut-down day.

A fourth-year pro out of nearby Northwestern, Basanez played at St. Viator High School in suburban Arlington Heights and was the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year as a senior with the Wildcats. However, Basanez doesn't have a very big arm, which is a necessity in offensive coordinator Ron Turner's scheme because he likes to push the ball downfield often. He saved his best for last, completing 10 of 13 passes for 144 yards and a TD in the exhibition finale Thursday against Cleveland, but he threw three interceptions in the preseason opener at Buffalo.

Assuming he clears waivers, Basanez could very well be brought back to the Windy City and placed on the practice squad.