Bears Blitz

Published by Robert Bonner on September 20, 2010
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

He went from prodigy to punch line in a matter of a day.

Coming to Chicago, Jay Cutler was supposed to be the savior of Bears football. Not only was the responsibility of winning a Super Bowl placed on the shoulders of the 26 year old gunslinger, but erasing 60 years of poor quarterback play was also on the Cutler agenda.

After one game, all was lost. On opening night, a season ago, Bears fans awoke in anticipation of God in a football helmet. Instead what they got was a reincarnation of Rex Grossman. Against the Green Bay Packers, on prime time no less, Cutler laid an egg tossing interception after interception, totaling four for the game. Needless to say, the infallible one was no more.

From that point on, Cutler’s first season as a Bear was a lost one. While he did manage to find the end zone 27 times, that failed in comparison to the criticism and ridicule he received after a league leading 26 interceptions. The fans, who once sang his praises and wrote stories of his greatness, were now screaming for Kyle Orton. Cutler became synonymous with interceptions, as every sports fans go-to joke concerned number 6.

But two weeks into the 2010 season it seems Cutler is back.

After an opening week of 372 yards, two touchdowns, and a win, was chalked up to playing the Detroit Lions and a certain referee call, Cutler removed all doubt with his performance Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys. Spending much of the first three drives on the seat of his pants, Cutler persevered, eventually slicing up the Dallas defense to the tune of 277 yards, three touchdowns, and a quarterback rating of 136.7.   

After a year in which Cutler could do no right, it seems now he can do no wrong.

There are several possible reasons for this improved version of Cutler.

The addition of offensive guru Mike Martz has proved fruitful. Martz’s ability to adjust in-game proved crucial in Sunday’s 27—20 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. After a disastrous start to the game, Martz adjusted to a quicker hitting offensive scheme, allowing Cutler to excel. But more important than Martz’s in game ability, is the respect he brings with him. Martz has the ability to teach Cutler, because Cutler respects the resume of Martz. So far the marriage between the two strong willed men has been perfect.

Another possible reason for Cutler’s success could be the maturity in the weapons around him. A second year Johnny Knox, an improved Devin Hester, Chester Taylor, and a healthy Matt Forte have given Cutler more weapons to work with, and that is never a bad thing.

Through two games the Chicago Bears have shown they are an improved team. As the only unbeatens of the NFC North, the Bears will face off with their rivals the Green Bay Packers on Monday Night football. Once again Cutler comes into the game, the toast of the town. The fans are back. The admirers have reappeared. Will they still be there Tuesday morning? Only time will tell and I can’t wait.

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