by Paul Schingle

Created on: June 23, 2009

This is a very difficult question for me to answer on a number of different levels. I am a transplanted Coloradoan, currently living in Chicago. I am a huge Broncos (and Rockies and Avalanche) fan. I follow the Denver teams as closely as I can, but can't help but follow the local teams here, as well. I'm probably more objective than the average Bears fan, but I still like them. The Bears are my third favorite team (after the Broncos and the Gary Kubiak-led Texans). I've paid particularly close attention to Jay Cutler since coming to Denver from Vanderbilt. He's a tremendous talent with a rocket arm. He will improve the Bears team-no doubt. But, will he excel? Tough call. I'm writing for the yes side, but with trepidation.

While I can read newspaper accounts and occasionally see Cutler when the Broncos are shown here, I have to rely on friends and family back home to fill in the hazy spots. From almost all accounts, Jay Cutler is a well-respected quarterback who happens to have a fairly serious attitude problem. I've spoken to many back home and most agree. Great talent. Big cry-baby. Another thing most agree on, they're going to miss him. As much as Cutler was a whiner, most realize that Kyle Orton is not a long-term answer. But, back to Cutler and the Bears.

I am going to run on the assumption that what I know is fairly accurate. Jay Cutler comes here with a reputation as a quarterback with a great arm. The biggest problem he'll have in Chicago is having someone to throw it to. Devin Hester is a converted defensive back with great speed. On the down side, he really hasn't proven himself as a receiver. I think Rashied Davis has a lot of talent, but hasn't really hit his peak, yet. Perhaps Cutler will help these two improve and vice versa. (Not that Cutler needs improving, per se, but maybe he'll become more of a team player). Chicago's best and most consistent receivers are their tight ends-Desmond Clark (another former Bronco) and Greg Olsen. If Cutler and Olsen can make a real connection, as young as they both are, they could be a force to be reckoned with for a long time. It's all a matter of how they gel.

Will Jay Cutler excel as the new quarterback in Chicago? I think the potential is definitely there. There is no doubt that the man has the raw talent. The question will be better answered when it is seen how he will react with new, less talented teammates. If things get cohesive fairly quickly, Cutler could be a great one in Chicago. If he can't get over that hump, it could be another long season in the windy city. Only time will tell, but my first hunch is, yes, Jay Cutler will excel in Chicago.

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