Tillman Shows Support For Cutler, Discusses Future

One of the most popular defensive players and team leaders spoke out yesterday on many topics including his future status and Jay Cutler. One day after kicker Jay Feely ripped Cutler’s leadership, Charles Tillman spoke on the “SVP & Russillo” show on ESPN radio and expressed mostly support for Cutler. Here’s what “Peanut” had to say when asked about the embattled QB:

"I think he can be a success for the Chicago Bears, but I think ultimately that’s up to him and what he wants to do. Can he take it to the next level? You want to make a name for yourself as a player, and I think he can do that. I think there are a lot of negative stereotypes when people talk about Jay Cutler. I think he can. I think that’s up to him though."

Tillman pointed out that there are many negative stereotypes on Jay and in my opinion, there’s no question that Jay gets a lot more blame than he should. I think that can be said of most quarterbacks at any level of football – it’s the nature of the position. That being said, Tillman makes a very valid point that I think is the truth. Is Jay an above average NFL quarterback? Yes, in my opinion – look at the stats. Did he have a bad season in 2014 and regress? Yes, along with the rest of the team. Does Jay need to be better and take his play to the next level? Absolutely.

The contract that he signed gave Cutler much bigger expectations last year that he did not live up to. His regression last year frustrated many which is to be expected with the amount of money that he ties up. He has shown that he can be very good: 2010 (led the Bears to NFC Championship), 2011 (led the Bears to 7-3 record before a season ending injury), 2012 (led the Bears to 10 wins), 2013 (had a major role in franchise record offensive statistics). However, there’s no denying that he has not been good enough and needs to go beyond what he has done in the past. Can he do it and will he get the opportunity?

Tillman also addressed his future with the Bears which looks cloudy. However, “Peanut” was directly asked if he wants to make a return:

"Oh yeah, most definitely. I would love to be back in Chicago. But that’s not up to me. That’s up to the new GM. His name is Ryan Pace. So that’s up to him and coach [John] Fox."

The John Fox coaching hire also appears to be a really good selling point to keep a veteran player like Tillman and Charles made that known as well:

"I like the hire. I met Coach Fox and I’ve talked to other players that he’s coached. They said that he’s a player’s coach. He’s an unbelievable person, great head coach. He’s a guy that you want to play for. I’m excited."

I think I speak for many people in Chicago when I say that it will be a very tough day when Charles Tillman is no longer a Chicago Bear. With the lack of talent and depth in Chicago’s secondary, I can’t see them not bringing him back for another year, but we will see. You can hear the full interview on ESPN.com.

BEAR DOWN!