Guest Post: 4 Factors to Consider When Breaking Down the Cutler Signing
Dec 15, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) celebrates with quarterback Josh McCown (12) after defeating the Cleveland Browns 38-31 at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
3. Consider the alternatives
If you don’t agree with signing him, have a realistic plan and offer a solution. Who should take the snaps for our beloved Bears? Josh McCown at 34 years young? How about Matt Cassel, Chad Henne or Mike Vick? How about the draft? With 6 teams ahead of the Bears in the draft with glaring QB needs, I’m not sure if they will be able to land a franchise type QB. Is a Geno Smith type quarterback going to make you a better team?
When you fully rely on the draft to fill your quarterback hole, this is never an ideal situation to be in. As we have experienced throughout most of our lives, drafting a first round quarterback is never a guarantee. Do these options justify letting go of arguably the best statistical quarterback in Bears history?
4. Don’t judge a player on intangibles that you cannot support
As fans, we are all guilty of forming an opinion about someone based off of perception. It’s much easier to form an informed opinion on a player based off of tangible or measured areas such as height, speed and performance statistics. However, there are many that question Cutler’s leadership ability as well as his desire to win. Many have even questioned his likability. Even though these questions are important, I’m not sure if it is responsible to judge these characteristics through a television set.
The best people to judge these areas are the people that are around him every day and in the locker room, and players and coaches have expressed mostly support. When he has faced the media and the public, there has been nothing to suggest that he is a poor leader or lacks the desire and passion. Not to mention, I don’t know of any dog fighting rings or sexual assault accusations that he has been the target of? Stick to the stats.
After looking at all of these factors combined with others, this is not a slam dunk decision to make, especially considering the guaranteed money he has received. However, I believe this was the right deal to make and creates stability at the most important position on the field, for years to come. After coming off his best season as a Bear, combined with stability on the offensive coaching staff, the only way to go is up.
Considering all factors that he has dealt with since coming to Chicago, Jay is a top 10 quarterback in this league. Regardless of any of our opinions on this, get used to Jay Cutler for at least another 3 years. In other words, lets all put it to rest and either get behind him or go root for another team.
BEAR DOWN!