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What is Jay Cutler’s Legacy as a Chicago Bear in one word?

By William "Wild Bill" Ingalls

Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 6, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; New Orleans Saints free safety Malcolm Jenkins (27) sacks Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) forcing a fumble during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 6, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; New Orleans Saints free safety Malcolm Jenkins (27) sacks Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) forcing a fumble during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports /

The lost years:

Regardless of “knee-gate” Cutler still entered 2011 as the unquestioned starter. The Bears still maintained a potent roster, especially when it came to the defense. Chicago fell short in 2010, but the championship window remained wide open for at least a couple more seasons.

It appeared the Bears wouldn’t be able to take advantage of their championship window following a 2-3 start to the 2011 season. Cutler’s 3 interception performances against the Lions and Packers caused many to root for his benching. However, the Bears stuck with Cutler, and he rewarded them with a 5 game win streak. The Bears routed the Vikings and Lions while clawing out wins against the Eagles, Buccaneers, and Chargers. Unfortunately, the last game of the win streak coincided with the last win of the season. After throwing an interception against the Chargers, Cutler chased down Antoine Cason to make the tackle, but broke his thumb in the process. The offense sputtered to a screeching halt, and the Bears lost the Raiders, Chiefs, and Broncos by a combined 15 points.

The Bears entered 2012 with hopes that Cutler could regain the momentum he picked up in 2011. Aiding Cutler’s cause was the addition of former teammate Brandon Marshall at wide receiver. While a humiliating 4 interception performance on Thursday night football worried some, the Bears rolled to a 7-1 record to begin the year. Unfortunately, the momentum ended in tragic fashion once again. Cutler received a concussion on Sunday night football against the 7-1 Houston Texans. He missed Chicago’s following prime time game where Collin Kaepernick and the 49ers trounced Chicago by a score of 32-7. After beating the Christian Ponder lead Vikings, the Bears dropped three straight against the Seahawks, Packers, and Vikings. After starting 7-1, the Bears stood at 8-6, and their playoff destiny no longer remained in their hands.

Chicago topped the lowly Cardinals and Lions to finish 10-6, but the Vikings upset Green Bay which kept the Bears home for the playoffs. Cutler threw for over 5,000 yards to go along with 32 touchdowns and 21 picks between 2011 and 2012.

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