Countdown to Kickoff… Jay Cutler Days Until Chicago Bears Season Opener
Aug 9, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) throws a pass during pre game warm ups before the start of the game against the Carolina Panthers. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
We decided to do a countdown to the Chicago Bears season opener on September 8th versus the Cincinnati Bengals. Thanks to one of our Twitter followers, we decided to combine the countdown with a roster preview of sorts.
In one week, we’ll be dissecting every particle, every morsel of the Bears season opener. Our Countdown to Kickoff roster preview series has gotten to probably the most important player for the Bears, #6, Jay Cutler.
It wasn’t a belated April Fool’s Day joke when Jerry Angelo traded for Jay Cutler. Or was it. There is no questioning that Cutler is the most talented quarterback that most of us have seen in a Chicago Bears uniform in our lifetimes. But the talent hasn’t translated into wins and playoff appearances and championships that we all expected.
There have been plenty of excuses to go around – no weapons, no line, bad scheme, J’Marcus Webb (who gets a category all to himself), etc. We’ve over-analyzed every word, reaction and facial expression over the last 4 seasons. All of that is about to come to a close.
The Bears and Jay Cutler have come to a crossroads. 2013 will determine Cutler’s future with the Bears. I fully expect Cutler to be back in 2014, the question will be whether he is back under a franchise tag or with a long term deal. If Cutler clicks with Trestman, he’ll get paid to stay. If he doesn’t, he’ll be back under the franchise tag while the Bears figure out what to do going forward.
Two seasons ago, the big outcry sweeping the internet was #payforte, with everyone citing that 40% of the offense the season before had gone through the running back. Last season, Brandon Marshall dominated the offensive stat sheet. Who is going to dominate the stat sheet in 2013 under Trestman? Will Cutler spread the ball around or will he continue to focus on his “Throw-mance” with Brandon Marshall? Will Alshon Jeffery emerge? Can Martellus Bennett do more than just say outrageous things? Will the rebuilt offensive line get the job done? All of those questions pale in comparison to what’s happening between the ears of #6.
Over the last few days, we’ve been stressing out about the 52nd and 53rd guys on the roster. Those guys won’t (or sure as hell better not), have a strong say in what happens here in January. Cutler will have the ultimate say. If he buys into Trestman, the Bears could go far. I’d be doesn’t…
We’re just 6 days away. Are you ready???
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