The Chicago Bears are stumbling to the end of a rough season, and there is reportedly some concern about quarterback Jay Cutler within the organization.
Finding a competent quarterback, let alone a good one, is one of the most difficult tasks for an NFL team. Furthermore, the lack of a good quarterback is almost always the first thing that holds a team back from relevance.
More from Chicago Bears
- Ryan Poles’ first contract extension as Bears GM is a big one
- NFL rumors: 3 edge rushers Bears could still add to fill glaring need
- Justin Fields, self-proclaimed Top 5 rushing QB ever, eyes elusive Bears record
- NFL Power Rankings: Who is the best quarterback in each division?
- NFL coach bashes the Bears for letting star leave
As such, teams often find themselves over-committing to guys who are unproven or inconsistent. The mere possibility of greatness, however slim, is often enough to keep a guy around because of the lack of alternatives at the most important position on the roster.
That brings us to the Chicago Bears, Jay Cutler, and a seven-year, $126 million extension that is actually three years and $54 million of guaranteed money. Cutler is a high variance player, with a super high ceiling and a super low floor, but the mere fact that he has the goods physically to be an elite quarterback made him worth the risk.
Or so it seemed. Just one rough season later, and reports are that the Bears are souring on Cutler and feeling some buyer’s remorse. From Ian Rapoport:
As for Jay Cutler, there is serious buyer’s remorse. Inside the organization, there is doubt Cutler can lead them to where they want to go
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 7, 2014
Big problem for Jay Cutler comes in the run game and not checking out of bad plays. Not the only reason for run-game issues, but a big one
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 7, 2014
This is consistent with the rap on Cutler for most of his career. There is no doubt about his physical gifts, but plenty of doubt about whether or not he’s got what it takes between the ears. Also, he seems like he is always cranky.
The Bears will be forced to take a step back and reassess this off-season, and it sounds like that process will start at the quarterback position with Jay Cutler.
Cutler has a 91.7 QB rating this season and a “blah” 59.0 QBR (out of 100). He has thrown for 3,446 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions.
More from FanSided
- NFL rumors: Aaron Rodgers sets Jets up for Super Bowl run with new contract
- MLB Trade Grades: Dodgers land Amed Rosario from Guardians
- Colorado gives Pac-12 a possible death knell with move to Big 12
- NFL rumors: Dalvin Cook suitor maintaining very ‘real’ interest
- Braves get dose of bad news on Max Fried as ace nears return