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Will Jay Cutler excel as the new QB in Chicago?
Results so far:
| Yes | 44% | 113 votes | Total: 254 votes | |
| No | 56% | 141 votes |
Yes
by Corban Burns
Created on: April 24, 2009 Last Updated: April 26, 2009
As a resident of the "Windy City" I'm a devoted bears fan. All throughout Chicago, you can feel the buzzing excitement as Chicagoans swell with high hopes for the Chicago Bears. We all share the same feelings, "This year will be a year to remember." Chicago has tremendous confidence in the new team, but even more so in Jay Cutler. Here's why.
Cutler is a great quarterback. There is no question about that. The Bears showed their awareness and desire to succeed in the 2009-2010 season by picking up Jay Cutler as soon as possible. However, why would Jay Cutler sign to a team he didn't have faith in? Or a team he didn't think he could lead to the Super Bowl?
It has been said that the Chicago Bears never had a stable quarterback. (For the last 13 seasons, the Chicago Bears have not been able to sign and stick with a quarterback they felt comfortable with and trusted could lead the team.) This is an accurate statement. But consider the history of Jay Cutler. Cutler is known for his powerful throwing arm and ability to think quickly while in the "pocket." He even has the smarts and speed to know when he should scramble with the ball. Basically, he doesn't need a dynamite receiver. He is very mobile in the pocket which means the defense has to stay on their toes. They will have to either stay in the "box" looking for him to scramble or they will play deep, looking to intercept a pass. In either situation, Cutler is fully equipped to handle the problem, make the best out of it, and gain some yards.
Now for those who are still skeptical about Cutler's abilities to lead the team even without a great wide receiver, let me remind you that Anquan Boldin and Torry Holt are requesting to be trade from their current teams. Boldin is still young, only 28 years old. But he has good reliable hands and helped lead his team to the Super Bowl. Other credentials are his numerous awards such as NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (2003) and he has been selected to play in the Pro Bowl three times, (2003, 2006, and 2008.) Torry Holt, though not as young, (age 36) is still a very athletic receiver. He is known for his ability to beat cornerbacks/safeties deepresulting in a big play. Holt's agility, jumping skills and large hands are some of the many advantages he has over the defenders. Holt has been selected 7 times to play in the Pro Bowl. (2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and2008.) Torry Holt is a veteran wide receiver and his experience is envied by many. (If the Bears think these players are going to play a big part in leading the team to the playoffs and eventually the Super Bowl, then the Bears will sign them. Chicago has plenty of Salary Cap so money is no object.)
There is also talk about the deteriorating offensive line. I must say that I disagree. Since this off-season, the Chicago Bears have picked up Orlando Pace. Pace is also a veteran player in the NFL and will do well on the Bears. He is showered with several awardsa five-time All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowl selection. Pace earned a Super Bowl Ring with the Rams in Super Bowl XXXIV. Clearly then, the offensive line is suffering in no way.
Finally, we mustn't forget about jay Cutler's ability to adjust to his new "home." During this off-season, Cutler will no doubt, take the time to get to know his team and receivers/tight ends. In the end, this will pay off and the "proof will be in the pudding" when the Chicago Bears make it to the playoffs!
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No
by JaLynne Johnson
Created on: September 16, 2009
There is no denying Jay Cutler has talent; however, talent alone is not enough to make a quarterback, and directly, a team, successful. Chicago is seeing their dream trade may actually be a nightmare in disguise. A quarterback is only one piece of a finely tuned machine, in this case, a football team. All parts must be working properly and the better condition each part is in, the better the machine will perform. After Sunday night's game, it is clear the Chicago Bears are missing vital parts and some parts are wearing down. Putting in a new motor, which has issues of its own, is not going to solve the problems.
Jay Cutler has the strength, accuracy, and awareness to make plays and get the balls out. There is a problem, though. He has no one to throw to. While Devin Hester is electrifying and has amazing speed, agility, and athleticism, he is not a wide receiver. Yet. He is learning and like any other situation, he has to reach maturity in that role. He can not have the burden several players usually carry placed fully upon his shoulders. When Cutler is doing his checks, Devin may very well be a choice, but he can not be the only choice.
Another gear in the Chicago machine which is worn is the offensive line. The quarterback must have time to read the field, make a decision, and get the football to the intended receiver. When the opposing team's defense is constantly smashing through the wall around the quarterback, putting a beating on him, or pushing him into hasty and misguided throws, his talents are negated. Those throws become incomplete passes or, as Cutler showed Sunday night, interceptions. Cutler should not be the other team's best asset.
Maturity is also a requirement for any quarterback. Quarterbacks must lead their teams. Negativity and immature behavior are not traits a leader should possess. Whining and complaining only hurt the team. Even when the odds are against the team, the quarterback has to put on a determined face and push his team to try, never giving up hope. He must encourage them to reach deep within themselves and find just a bit more tenacity and energy to put into making plays. Cutler, who has shown he can talk smack and complain with the best, needs someone to lead him. The baby-faced passer sometimes has an attitude to match. As a team representative, the image he is projecting is nowhere near positive. When other coaches and experienced league workers comment on a player's issues, the team should take notice. The fans, commentators, coaches, and other teams have.
If Chicago sees Cutler as a miracle cure, Sunday must have been a wake up call. Throwing four interceptions and showing the famous Cutler attitude in the post game conference is not going to help the Bears. The Bears are trying to move away from the past several seasons of quarterback purgatory, but raw talent means nothing if the person who has it annihilates the team morale and sullies the team image. Productivity is dependent upon team members who are physically and emotionally in tip top condition and one problem player can throw everything off, which Chicago will experience firsthand if Cutler continues behaving as a team of one.
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