Chicago Bears QB Jay Cutler Is Reborn

Sep 22, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) throws a pass during the pre-game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
There are many colorful nouns and adjectives used to describe Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler. Seldom is this one used: tough.

In Sunday night’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Bears quarterback — questioned many times for his attitude and toughness — not only played smart; he played tough. The quarterback took on Steelers safety Robert Golden in the open field, dropping his shoulders and running him over, fighting for that first down.

Cutler, who was used to spending an inordinate amount of time running for his life in the backfield (due to an offensive line that couldn’t block), isn’t doing it as much this season, and it shows in his stats. In three games, Cutler has passed for 693 yards and six touchdowns, completing 68 percent of his passes.

Yes, he has thrown picks (three), but something is different this time around: he is keeping his cool and staying tough. In the past, when Cutler would turn the ball over, the quarterback would quickly unravel. This time, he goes out and executes. This season, Cutler has a 94 passer-rating — and a fourth quarter passer-rating of 108.1

His own team’s fans have a love/hate relationship with him, but we have to admit he gives the Bears their best chance at winning. Yes, he’s a tough pill to swallow, but he’s the Bears’ leader. Throughout his career as the Bears quarterback, even with some awful games, he has still managed to lead the Bears to some success, and the fans can’t complain about that. The Bears are 3-0 this season, and it’s because of their quarterback. All three of those wins required important fourth quarter touchdowns, which Cutler delivered.

You won’t see Cutler dancing in the end zone or flexing his muscles in insurance commercials. He’s in Chicago to do one thing, and one thing only: do his job. One thing you can bet on seeing is Cutler taking hit after hit, removing grass from his helmet and picking himself off the ground, ready to go again.

The quarterback isn’t trying to win any popularity contests; he’s just there to do his job. And that’s the way it should be.

Is Cutler tough? Absolutely.

Will he bring the Bears success this season? The way he’s playing, there is a strong possibility.