Dec 1, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) throws prior to the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

I have been thinking a lot about the Jay Cutler/Josh McCown situation that is a controversy to everyone not directly associated with the Chicago Bears.

In case you’ve been living under a rock; Josh McCown has been plying lights out football.

He has thrown for 1,809 yards and is completing 66.8% of his passes. He also has a 13/1 TD to INT ratio and a 3-2 record.

He was even named NFC Offensive Player of the week for his performance last week again the Cowboys.

He is putting up pretty impressive numbers.

Before he was injured, Jay Cutler wasn’t exactly playing like garbage.

Jay was probably playing the best football of his career before the 1st and then 2nd injury.

Cutler is completing 63% of his passes for 1,908 yards, 13 TDs and 8 INTs.

On the surface it doesn’t look close; McCown is the guy.

While the raw numbers may sway you one way or the other, let me offer up this perspective:

When Cutler began the season, the offense was still in its infancy. The players were and in some aspects still are finding their way.

There have been growing pains from the players and from a coaching perspective. Calling plays in the NFL is different from calling them in the CFL.

Josh McCown had the opportunity to watch, study and learn while sitting in meetings and standing on the sideline while Jay was playing. It is a completely different perspective.

McCown was able to do some great things when he played.

Jay Cutler now has had the same opportunity.

[Personal Story]

I was a javelin thrower in high school. I had 4 coaches in 4 years. I probably knew more about the javelin than 3 of my coaches.

My senior year, I was told asked to help some of my teammates with their throwing form.

I spent 80% of my practice time teaching and coaching, then spent the remaining time working on my form.

I had to think about everything differently because I had to explain it to someone else.

I had my best year technique wise that year because I was forced persuaded to coach my teammates.

[End of Personal Story]

What this means is, that Jay Cutler has had the opportunity to watch from the sidelines like McCown has. He has had the chance to look at the offense from a different perspective and to see it from a coach’s eyes.

The other players on offense have also grown and developed as players and understand the offense a lot better.

They are thinking less and playing faster, which means they are playing better.

Head Coach Marc Trestman is also getting more comfortable with his players and their strengths and weaknesses.

I honestly don’t know if Jay Cutler is going to come back and light the world on fire with his play, but I know he will come back knowing the system better and how to be more effective in it.

I think he will come back and everyone will wonder why this was even a debate.

And just maybe, that translates into 7 more victories this season…

What do you think Bears fans? Am I crazy to think Cutler will play at a high level when he comes back? Let me know what you think in the comments section below!