It’s only fitting that in the season when we’re expecting the Jay Cutler show on the field that “The Jay Cutler Show” will debut off the field – and on the airwaves more specifically – on ESPN 1000 in Chicago with a weekly 1-hour show. Cutler will be joining The Waddle and Silvy Show on either Mondays or Tuesdays in person, with most of the shows expected to be open to the public at some of Chicago’s finest establishments.
"“I’m very excited to be joining ESPN Chicago and Waddle and Silvy’s top-rated radio program,” Cutler said. “This is a great fit for me, and will be a fun way to interact with Bears fans. I’m really looking forward to the upcoming season, both on the field and in the studio.”"
Cutler has come a long, long way from that cold January day in 2011 when he was injured in the NFC Championship game and some idiot fans were burning his jersey in effigy. In the 2011 season, Cutty bounced back to lead the Bears to a 7-3 mark and well on the road to another playoff appearance before his broken thumb.
I’ve said this before and it bears repeating – don’t discount his relationship with Kristen Cavallari in his media and image turnaround. She is all about Hollywood and Hollywood is all about your public image and how people perceive you. The former reality TV starlet certainly has helped Jay put on a better face in public. Well, most of the time. And Cutler’s actually pretty decent on the air. Have a listen to the podcast when they announced Cutler’s addition to the team and judge for yourself.
I have to admit, as someone who covers the Bears, this new show is pure gold. It will be appointment radio every Monday or Tuesday. As a fan, I’m excited but also a little concerned. The concern comes from whether or not this becomes a distraction for Cutler and/or the team. All it takes is one misstep with a comment or a couple of questionable interceptions and some frustration on the air for this whole thing to go sideways.
But the number one reason that Cutler’s star is on the rise in Chicago media is because his star is on the rise on the field. Last season finally gave fans and critics alike a look at Cutler’s talent and abilities on the field. That’s why so much is expected of him – and the Bears – this season.
The Bears invested heavily in surrounding Cutler with the weapons to be successful. Adding former Broncos teammate Brandon Marshall was the biggest and boldest of Phil Emery’s moves, but it wasn’t the only move. By selecting Alshon Jeffery in the second round, Emery gave Cutler two big targets that should help him on those tough third downs and in the red zone in particular. Don’t discount the Michael Bush move either, having some insurance in case Forte misses any time with his contract dispute and adding a bruiser that should be able to convert in those third and short and goal line situations.
Make no mistake about it, the 2012 Chicago Bears will go as far as Jay Cutler takes them. Don’t expect the Bears to edge out games 13-10 any more. If things go as we hope, the Bears will be putting up some big points this season.
What do you think? Do you like your quarterback going on the air and becoming so accessible? Could this become a distraction? Let’s hear ya in the Comments.