Bears Blitz

Published by Bob Warja on October 31, 2010
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

Bears QB Jay Cutler is an enigma wrapped up in a mystery.

On the one hand, there’s talent oozing out of every pore in his sack-weary body. There’s the strong arm, the athleticism, and the toughness.

And yes, he is tough. Prior to the concussion, Cutler had never missed a game, even with diabetes. The man took a licking but kept on ticking despite being sacked more than a bag of groceries this season.

Yet on the other side, there are the poor decisions, the interceptions, the inability to lead his team to a TD in the red zone.

All the while, there is the bad body language, the slumped shoulders, the defeated look on his face. In short, there are leadership questions and attitude issues.

Of course, who wouldn’t feel defeated after getting sacked 27 times in six games?

However, some of these very same questions about his leadership and ability to lead a team to victory were being asked even when he was in Denver, where he had a fairly solid offensive line and some legitimate weapons in the Mile High City.

So what gives?

Well, what gives is this: either Cutler is a late bloomer or he is Jeff George reincarnated.

Bears fans would love to see what he could do if he had a decent line protecting him and if he had good wideouts to throw to. Alas, this won’t be the case for awhile, since the line won’t be rebuilt overnight and the receivers are young and inexperienced.

Offensively, there simply aren’t many current Bears players other than Cutler himself who would even be qualified to start for another NFL team.

Devin Hester? Sure, but mainly for his punt return skills. Olin Kreutz? At this point in his fine career, he is more reputation than reality. Johnny Knox shows flashes, but doesn’t know how to play the position.

And so on.

But on the other side of the coin there are those who are tired of the excuses, weary of the feeling that nothing is ever Culter’s fault.

That interception? Well, he was under pressure or Knox didn’t finish his route. The fumble? Hey, he was over the goal line and Lovie Smith should have challenged the play.

And so on.

But he was sold to Bears fans as the kind of talent that could inspire greatness from others, that he could somehow elevate mediocre players into good players.

Shame on us for believing the hype, for thinking that Cutler was a franchise quarterback. Yet there is his annoying talent level tugging at our sleeves, trying desperately to make us believe.

Yet in 22 games as a Bears QB, he is 11-11. And despite impressive stats in Denver, his teams never made the playoffs. As a Bear, Cutler has 34 touchdowns and 33 interceptions.

That is certainly not totally his fault alone, but wait, there go the excuses again. The poor defense in Denver. The bad line in Chicago.

And so on.

Meanwhile, there are legitimate excuses to be sure. Cutler is on his second coordinator and QB coach in two years in Chicago and is likely to get a third for next season, as it is highly questionable whether Mike Martz will be back.

So have we been tricked, or will Cutler eventually turn into a treat for the Bears? Despite all his flaws, he is probably the best Bears QB to come along in 20 years, which isn’t saying much given the cast of characters that have masqueraded as QBs, but still…

Now I want to know what you think. Take the poll and let NFL fans know your feelings on Cutler. Oh, and Happy Halloween!

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