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Going into training camp this summer, Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler will have the most pressure he’s ever had upon his shoulders throughout his career in the NFL. Cutler, who is entering his 10th year in the league, could possibly be entering his final year in the Windy City. Cutler did sign a seven-year, $126.7 million contract with the Bears after the 2013 season, but another careless year under center could result in the Vanderbilt product looking for another place to call home after 2015.
Although Cutler has broken many of the franchise’s passing records, the erratic quarterback still has not met the expectations of fans in Chicago when it comes to his play on the field. After a Pro Bowl season in 2008 with the Denver Broncos, Cutler was traded to the Bears, and over the past six years has yet to play at that level. Now, Cutler will have to find a way to prove to the Bears’ new regime that he is worth keeping for the remainder of his long-term contract.
The Bears have brought in John Fox and Adam Gase as their new head coach and offensive coordinator respectively. Both coaches worked together in Denver from 2011-14, and had success in the Mile-High City with four postseason appearances, including a berth in the Super Bowl. As an OC with the Broncos, Gase helped transform Denver’s passing game into one of the best in the NFL. In 2013, the Broncos were first in the league in passing, and finished fourth in the same category the following year. Yes, this all happened with Peyton Manning, a future Hall of Famer, at the helm, but Cutler is talented enough to be successful in this scheme.
Cutler’s football intelligence may not be as high as Manning’s, but he does have superior mechanics. And just like Manning, Cutler has potent weapons at his disposal. Alshon Jeffery has been one of the most efficient wide receivers in the NFL since entering the league in 2012, and will be paired with rookie Kevin White, the Bears’ 2015 first-round draft pick. In addition, Cutler will also have wide receiver Eddie Royal, who played with him during his 2008 Pro Bowl season, and Pro Bowl tight end Martellus Bennett. Having such talent on the receiving end could make the transition of playing under his fifth OC in seven years a little smoother.
As far as competition during this year’s training camp in Bourbonnais, IL, Cutler shouldn’t have to worry about anyone breathing down his neck for the starting job. Behind Cutler on the depth chart are Jimmy Clausen, David Fales, and undrafted rookie Shane Carden. If no one believes that Cutler will be the starter this season, just remember he will be making over $15 million this year. The Bears’ brass definitely won’t have that much money sitting on the bench.
Like I mentioned earlier, this season will be the most critical season Cutler will ever have as a professional. According to Cutler, everything is looking great for him and the offense so far this offseason. But how many times have we heard him say that, only to back his comments up with a pitiful year? The bottom line for Cutler is to make sure that he fully grasps Gase’s offense during training camp, and find a way to decrease this turnovers (something Cutler led the league in last season).
If we end up seeing the same disaster once the 2015 regular season rolls around, not only could Cutler be gone, but we could add yet another name to the list of offensive coordinators that Cutler has gotten fired.
Clyde A. Speller is an NFL writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ClydeASpeller.
