Will Jay Cutler Return to the Chicago Bears?
This question seems to be on the mind of every media and Chicago Bears fan when the post season comes around.
Will Jay Cutler return to the Chicago Bears or will he be traded? Which coach will lose his job because of Cutler? Well with the improved performance he displayed this season it appears that he will stay for the time being. It is safe to say that last season was a train wreck. The coaching staff was abysmal to say the least. There was no design for success and looking at the outcome of these coaches, Cutler was not the problem.
Dec 13, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) directs his team against the Washington Redskins during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
But just in case, you as the reader have been in the dark, let’s look at the facts. Former head coach Marc Trestman is now the offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens who currently have a record of 4-9. Yes, they have had some unfortunate injuries on their team, but so did the Bears so like any rebuilding team, it’s hard to say if Trestman would have been successful. I would give it another year.
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As for former offensive coordinator Aaron Kromer, he was hired by the Buffalo Bills as their offensive line coach but suffered
Dec 13, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Washington Redskins OLB Ryan Kerrigan (91) and Chicago Bears QB Jay Cutler (6) at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
a major setback when he was suspended six games for punching a teen in the face over a beach chair. Let’s see how long he lasts in Buffalo.
And then there was defensive coordinator Mel Tucker who took the Monsters of the Midway to new lows. Fans watched as the Bears defense gave up under Tucker’s leadership. He went back to college football where he became the defensive back coach for the University of Alabama.
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The careers of these men did not die. It just proved that they did not have the vision to lead the Bears to success. So what does that mean for Cutler? Well in 2014 under Trestman, Cutler was 370-561in completions, threw for 3812 yards and 28 touchdowns with 18 interceptions closing the year with a quarterback rating of 88.6.
Under Coach John Fox, Cutler has thrown 248-396 completions, 3,027 yards, 16 touchdowns, 7 interceptions and a quarterback rating of 92.2. The only reason his touchdowns are so low is that the Bears are running the ball more, making for a balanced team and a successful Cutler.
With an improved display of leadership and confidence by Cutler, he is succeeding on all levels under offensive coordinator Adam Gase. But here is the clincher and the key to his future in Chicago.
With rumors swirling of job offers thrown at Gase directions for head coaching jobs, will that determine where Cutler will be? If Gase goes, it is almost guaranteed so will Cutler. Another offensive coordinator would just put him over the edge and the Bears would have to move on.
However, if Gase stays and leads the Bears to a playoff spot next season, Cutler will be the quarterback of choice to give the Bears a fighting chance at a post-season run. That is not to say that the Bears will not be thinking of their future by selecting a quarterback in the draft, but at least, Cutler gives the Bears a better chance of winning in the near future.
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Earlier in the season, the argument was that it was Cutler’s job to lose and so far he has earned that roster spot. So whether you are a fan or not, all signs point to Cutler staying in Chicago for another year.