Article: Jay Cutler: Coach Killer or Franchise Savior

     Jay Christopher Cutler. Most hear his name and think of a spoiled brat pouting on the sidelines. A man who does not know how to lead a team. A coach killer. Only two seasons ago, Bears fans were burning his jerseys in the streets. Interceptions, injuries, impassive. Many believe that he does not have the competitive edge. While these concerns are not unfounded, there is still hope for Cutler’s career in Chicago.

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Cutler’s Character

     Born in Santa Claus, Indiana, Jay Cutler was never the recipient of a silver spoon. His father, Jack, was a policeman who later started his own concrete business. At age five, Jay was there helping with concrete jobs. At 11, he was laying concrete for sidewalks and driveways. In high school, he played both offense and defense. Currently, Cutler volunteers to raise awareness for diabetes, as well as helping at-risk youth. Former teammate Matt Forte as well as current teammate Kevin White believe Jay has received a bad rap in the media. They cannot understand the hatred for this man. The narrative of Cutler pouting on the sideline is completely misguided. Just because he is not buried deep in a surface pro 3, does not mean he is not preparing for the next series. Lazy and entitled are not the qualities Jack Cutler instilled in his son.

The Rise in Hate

     At age 33, Jay Cutler is on his 10th season in the NFL. Though he has not been well liked since entering the league, it wasn’t until Marc Tresman took the reins as coach that the dislike for Jay hit critical mass. After starting off with career numbers in the 2011 season, Cutler fell to injury and was replaced by Josh McCown. McCown played well upon taking over the starter duties, which led to controversy when Cutler returned. Jay was unable to get the wins needed for the playoffs that year; however, the Bears still rewarded him with a generous 7 year deal. The next year, when the offense struggled, many were left wondering why the Bears let go McCown and resigned Cutler to the monster deal. Much of the hatred from Bears fans stems from this transaction.
     Though many believe 2014 to be one of Jay’s worst seasons, the statistics tell a different story. In the 2014 season, Cutler had a career high ten losses with the Bears; however, he also had a career high in passing TDs, rushing TDs, and completion percentage. 66% of his passes were completed while most games the Bears were playing from behind and defenses were ready to defend against the pass. Cutler can not be the only one held responsible for this disappointing season, when the Bears defense that year ranked in the bottom of the NFL in every significant category.

The Jon Fox Era

     In 2015, the Chicago Bears decided to clean house once again and hire a whole new coaching staff. For the first time, the organization hired a proven head coach in Jon Fox. The result has been a drastic difference in team play and overall mentality. Instead of being a pass first offense, the Bears have transitioned to smash mouth football and a more run oriented attack. This is similar to what the Dallas Cowboys did in 2014 with Demarco Murray and Tony Romo. With the pressure off Cutler’s shoulders, he has flourished at game management and engineered late game drives. Before 2015, He averaged almost 16 interceptions per season. Last year, he threw only 11, a career low. Not surprising, his passer rating increased. Last season, he held a passer rating of 92.3, another career high.
     These numbers came all while nearly every offensive weapon for the Bears was sidelined. Many gave Green Bay Packer Aaron Rodgers a free pass last season because his favorite target, Jordy Nelson, was injured for the year. Cutler was able to complete nearly 65% of his passes with a career high passer rating while his receivers were Alshon Jeffery and Marquess Wilson, neither of whom played more than eight games.
Bears’ Offensive Coordinator Adam Gase has praised Cutler for his football IQ and teammate Kyle Long has claimed that Cutler is the smartest human he has ever met. Cutler has the talent and intellect, but lacked something more after many years in the NFL. A coaching staff that knows how to prepare for games and build a franchise.
     Since joining the Bears in 2009, Cutler has had five different offensive coordinators. This year will be his sixth as Dowell Loggains takes over for Adam Gase. Fellow NFC north quarterbacks, Lion Matt Stafford and Packer Aaron Rogers, have had three and two, respectively. Although Cutler has a high intellect to pick up a playbook quickly, it can take time for a team to gel with a new OC. Loggains was the team’s quarterback coach last year, it is still unknown if he can run the offense as efficiently as Gase. Cutler respects Loggains and requested him for the QB coordinator position when the Bears were cleaning house in 2013. Another positive for Cutler is that he still has Jon Fox as his head coach, a man who is committed to the run game.

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     Hate him or love him, but you cannot underestimate his importance to the team and franchise. Without him, the Bears were unable to score a single point against the Seahawks last year. In 2010, Cutler led the Bears to a NFC championship game. In 2011, Cutler missed five games with a broken thumb and the team lost every game without him. He holds nearly every QB record in Chicago including most passing TDs, most passing completions, most passing yards, and highest quarterback rating to name a few. If you still question his leadership remember that he has more 4th quarter comebacks than any other Bear’s QB in their history. With new offensive weapons in Kevin White and Daniel Braverman, as well as healthy returning star Alshon Jeffery, Cutler has never been more set up for a successful season.



By Nick Eurek
Producer of the FGBpodcast