Chicago Bears: 10 Most Important Players for 2015

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1. Jay Cutler

Dec 28, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago Bears Jay Cutler (6) looks to pass against the Minnesota Vikings in the second quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Then, there is Jay Cutler. Was there every really any doubt who would top this list?

There is so much that can be said about the Bears starting quarterback, from good to bad and everything in between. His struggles during his tenure with the Bears has been well documented, especially over the past year. He has been called everything from aloof to a coach killer, both of which seem just a tad bit harsh.

No one has every been able to say he doesn’t work hard during practice each week or questioned his professionalism. Fans are just waiting for things to click for him; to be able to put together an entire season instead of a host of sporadic good plays throughout the year.

So, it’s not surprising that Cutler is ranked number one on the list. After all, the quarterback is the most important player on the field. However, last year was disastrous for Cutler, from the turnovers to being benched in favor of Jimmy Clausen, nothing went right for him.

Cutler’s natural athletic talents are undeniable (and anyone who says otherwise is not being honest with themselves), but he must improve his leadership skills and take better care of the ball. A large portion of the Bears success will rest on his decision-making.

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As talented as Cutler is he just hasn’t been able to put it all together and help his team win. There are always flashes of brilliance and rockets thrown from a right arm that most can only dream of having. But then there are the head scratcher plays, the ones that make us sit and watch in confusion trying to figure out what the heck just happened.

The hefty price tag that comes with Cutler wasn’t one that any other team would be willing to take on, making him un-tradable. Now, with a well-known and accomplished coaching staff lead by a head coach that once took a team to the Super Bowl with Jake Delhomme as the starter, Cutler has to prove his worth.

To be frank about it, this might be his last shot at really being a stand out player in the league. The upside is Cutler can improve on all levels this year with the help of the new coaches who all understand how to put him in the best position to win. It’s imperative that this is the year Cutler finally lives up to his potential.

The reality is that the Bears will only go as far as he takes them.

Next: Five Greatest RBs in Bears' History

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