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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 26, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) is sacked by New England Patriots outside linebacker Akeem Ayers (52) and defensive tackle Chris Jones (94) during the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 26, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) is sacked by New England Patriots outside linebacker Akeem Ayers (52) and defensive tackle Chris Jones (94) during the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /

The wheels fall off the wagon:

Chicago’s defense took a major step back in 2013. Brian Urlacher retired, Charles Tillman couldn’t stay healthy, and Lance Briggs lost a step after 2012. For the Chicago Bears to win in 2014, the offense needed to shoulder the load. Cutler appeared ready to handle the load after throwing 8 touchdowns to just 2 interceptions in the first three games. However, the Bears faltered shortly after. Chicago lost 5 of their next 6 games. Most humiliating came after the Bears’ bye where they allowed over 50 points to the Green Bay Packers despite the extra week of preparation.

In the closing weeks of the season, offensive coordinator Aaron Kromer spoke poorly of his quarterback to the Chicago Tribune. He admitted to saying he was frustrated with Cutler’s game management, and some even connected him to saying the Chicago Bears had buyer’s remorse over Cutler’s new contract. Cutler took the high road, but the interview singled a full rebuild. The main question on everyone’s mind was if Cutler belonged in the rebuild. His contract made trading him nearly impossible, and cutting him to be cap suicide. If Chicago kept Cutler, he would receive yet another offensive coordinator, it would be his 5th in 7 years as a Bear.

Despite the heavy baggage of seasons past, Chicago designated Cutler as their starting quarterback for 2015.

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