Bear Down?

Photo from ESPN.com

The story of the 2010 Chicago Bears started with controversy after winning on a technicality of the NFL rulebook and ended in controversy as their big name quarterback didn't finish a game that could send them to the Superbowl.  It was a roller coaster season for the Bears, after 3 years of no postseason play, the city was booming again over the Bears.  They overshot expectations with a trip to the NFC Championship against their oldest rivals the Green Bay Packers.  

After losing Superbowl 41, it was widely considered that the Bears were only missing a franchise quarterback.  After turmoil in Denver Jay Cutler was acquired by the Bears to fill that void.  Expectations were raised for the Bears and for Cutler.  After one season, Cutler became familiar with what it's like to play under the lights of a large media market like Chicago.  Although setting a career high in TDs, he shattered a career high in interceptions.  Another criticism of Cutler was his body language and demeanor.  He comes across of not caring or being arrogant.  I don't know him personally, but there were certainly times when he did look like he was pouting after a bad game. 

His second season, he started to regain respect from the fans.  A porous offensive live led him to get sacked more times that any other quarterback this season.  He always came back, except for one missed game due to a concussion after take 8 sacks from the Giants.  However his interception numbers were down, and he was more efficient.  He was a very important piece of winning a division for the Bears and leading them to the NFC Championship.

After a poor start in the game, he took a hit from the Packers and he seemed shook up by it.  In the 3rd quarter, backup Todd Collins enters the game and Cutler was seen on the side wrapped up in a jacket.  It was announced that his day was over.  Even though 3rd string, Caleb Hanie, nearly created a miracle, all of the attention was on Jay Cutler.  Fans were questioning his toughness and his heart.  I'll be the first to say I did, I didn't like to see our franchise quarterback on the sideline with a trip to the Superbowl on the line, emotions ran high.  In addition to the fans and the media, his peers around the league were harsh on Cutler.  His teammates and coach defended their quarterback to the end and with passion.  Earlier today an MRI revealed an MCL tear.  Skeptics, including me backed off our criticism, but there are still many who won't buy it.  He was told by his coaches and training staff that he is not to finish the game, and he complied.  It's one thing to question his attitude on the sideline. I personally think he shouldn't of hung his head like he did, but maybe that's because he isn't the person who shows his emotions.  Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but don't call him out on being a quitter.  He was injured and he couldn't finish the game.  His staff was looking out for him making sure he didn't jeopardize his career.  His staff was looking out for his team, they felt that an injured Cutler would compromise their chances to win.  

In the end, the Bears lost and the season ended.  Getting to the Superbowl isn't easy, and the Packers weren't going to roll over.  Ask the Jets who failed to reach it two years in a row now.  Going into next season, Jay Cutler is our quarterback.  The bar has been raised and now there is scrutiny on the Bears, and there is a goal that still needs to be reached.