The proving ground:
With only 3 games remaining in 2013, the Bears turned back to Jay Cutler. The longtime starter looked rusty in a 38-31 win over Cleveland, but the Bears prevailed nonetheless. Chicago’s path to the postseason became incredibly simple after the Detroit Lions lost on a 61 yard field goal against the Ravens. All the Chicago Bears needed was a win in one of their last two games.
The stage was set for a Sunday night showdown in Philadelphia. The Eagles and the Bears both ranked in the top 5 for total offense with playoff positioning at stake for both teams. What figured to be shootout only featured shots from one side, Philadelphia. The Bears fell by a humiliating score of 54-11. Chicago faced a winner take all season finale against the Green Bay Packers at Solider Field.
The narratives swirled around the Windy City in preparation for Sunday afternoon. Should McCown be starting? Can Cutler do anything against the Packers? Should Cutler be resigned even if he wins? One thing was distinctly different with the Packers from their earlier bout with Chicago, Aaron Rodgers. If Cutler wanted a postseason berth, he would have to out-duel the quarterback who always had his number.
Jay Cutler threw a late touchdown to put Chicago up 28-27 in the closing minutes of the game. Unfortunately, the Bears blew a coverage on 4th and 2 which lead to a Packers touchdown. Chicago lost to the Packers by a score of 33-28, ending the Bears’ season. However, the Bears won despite Cutler, not in spite of him. Chicago opted to extend Cutler with a 7 year deal worth $126 million.