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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