If you break the league down into three categories (breakdown below); teams with elite quarterbacks, teams with franchise quarterbacks and teams with unstable QB situations (including starters with 2 or less consecutive seasons on their current team) The Chicago Bears do not have an elite quarterback, however, without a doubt, they have one of the better franchise quarterbacks in the league.
Considering Cutler is entering the 2015 season with his fifth new coordinator and the seasons of awful offensive line play, no quarterback in the past 6 seasons has had to face more adversity. Stats aren't everything, however when it comes to Cutler, they seem to mean nothing at all, in comparison to his body language and supposed 'lack of leadership'. Most recently in the Bears preseason matchup agains the Colts, Cutlers' toughness, athleticism and leadership were on display in a 23-11victory. Many of the plays Cutler makes are heavily scrutinized by fans and media, is the negativity he receives merely a carry over from his days in Denver?
The plays made by the veteran QB in Saturdays preseason matchup generated a ton of social media attention, mostly positive, but (as with anything he does) the critics were also out in full force, many of those critics being Bears fans. This begs the question; Is the league wide dislike of Cutler fuelled by the fans of the team he plays for? the simple answer is, yes. Compare Cutler to Cam Newton or division rival Matthew Stafford off the field, both QBs for the most part are greatly appreciated by their fan bases, and highly thought of by NFL media, where as Cutler is strongly disliked by a large number of Chicago fans and NFL media (see Ray Lewis and Marshall Faulk) Shift focus to statistics and on field production, Newton and Stafford find themselves behind Cutler in many categories.
At the end of the day, Bears fans alike, should be grateful to have a franchise quarterback in Cutler, and be even more thankful Chicago isn't faced with quarterback carousel situations, similar to Buffalo and Cleveland. Maybe it's time to stop asking the question "Will Cutler finally step up for Chicago?" and start asking "Will Bears fans step up for Cutler?"
** Side by side, compared with the other quarterbacks of the 'franchise' calibre; Tannehill (92.8),
E. Manning (92.1), Flacco (91.0), Cutler (88.6), Matthew Stafford (85.7), Dalton (83.5), Newton (82.1) the Bears quarterback stacks up well, and is a fringe top 10 quarterback in the league.
*Based on stats since 2009 season (where applicable)
Elite QB teams; New England, Pittsburgh, San Diego, Green Bay, and Dallas. Honourable mentions; New Orleans and Denver.
Franchise QBs: Indianapolis, Seattle, Cincinnati, New York Giants, Carolina, Detroit, Atlanta, Miami and Chicago.
Unstable QB situations; Philidelphia, Oakland, San Francisco, Minnesotta, Washington, Cleveland, New York Jets, Buffalo, San Francisco, Houston, Tennessee, Tampa Bay, Arizona, Jacksonville, St.Louis and Kansas City.
References;
Picture sourced from: http://www.chicagonow.com/chicago-bears-huddle/2011/11/chicago-bears-huddle-stock-report-4/
It's "trendy" to hate whoever the Bear's starting QB is. "Fans" always call for the backup, but when he becomes the starter, they automatically hate him as well.
ReplyDeleteI have been a Bear fan since the late 60's but if I had a son coming out of college as a top QB prospect I would STONGLY encourage him NOT to sign with the Bears.
Thanks for your comment, excellent points !
ReplyDeleteIt's unfortunate, because I couldn't imagine the complaints and headaches if the Bears were faced with a situation like Buffalo, Cleveland or NYJ. Jay Cutler is at worst a top 12 QB in the league, and I think it's time to change the trend of hating Bears QBs, Cutler would be a great place to start.