Nam Y. Huh / AP

Jay Cutler was a Pro Bowler in Denver and should continue to shine as a pro with the Bears, writes Dan Pompei.

Q: Is Brian Westbrook’s surgery a good thing or bad thing for the Eagles? Maybe they’ll be forced to use LeSean McCoy more and Westbrook won’t get worn down.
— Fred Stoddart, Hot Springs, Ark.

A: Let’s not overanalyze this. A surgery to one of your star players never is a good thing, Fred. The Eagles are a better team with a healthy Brian Westbrook, no question. But there may be a silver lining to his injury.

With Westbrook on the shelf, the Eagles are able to accelerate the development of Shady McCoy by giving him more offseason practice reps. And offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg tells me McCoy is responding wonderfully, taking full advantage of the opportunity and grasping the offense well.

The early returns suggest McCoy is going to be a solid contributor in Philly this year.

Q: Will the Broncos ever get tired of Brandon Marshall and all the stupid things he does off the field?
— Terry Campbell, Lawrence, Kan.

A: They will get tired of him the second he stops playing like an all pro wide receiver.

Q: Hey Dan, where’s Greg Ellis gonna land?
— Donnie B., Fort Worth, Texas

A: The only reason Ellis still is available is he wants more money than the market has deemed he is worth. If his salary was a bargain, the Cowboys would have been able to trade him. If his salary was a steal, the Cowboys would have kept him.

Special feature Tracking 20 key NFL moves Rosenthal: Gonzalez’s trade to Atlanta just one notable offseason move. We note the others. NBCSports.com

Q: If the Lions start Matt Stafford, will he come out of this season in one piece?
— Tim A., Detroit

A: Probably, but if I were the Lions I’d be more concerned about his mind than his body. The worst thing a team can do with a young quarterback is expose him to so many hits that he loses his confidence. That may have happened with David Carr in Houston, and it would be a shame if it were to happen with Stafford in Detroit.

On the positive side, he does have one of the most gifted wide receivers in football to throw to in Calvin Johnson, and a promising running back to hand off to in Kevin Smith. From my conversations with people in the Detroit organization, I know the Lions are intent on taking a cautious approach with Stafford. They don’t want to make him the starter until two things are in place: Stafford’s development, and the offense around him.

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