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While former NFL quarterback Jay Cutler was frequently criticized and mocked during his time with the Chicago Bears (2009-16), the reality is that he was far better than the quarterback game that Chicago has known since. Cutler’s talent was never in question and he looked like one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. on time. Plus, he had to play behind brutal offensive lines with Chicago, and he had to play under three different head coaches and six different offensive coordinators.
Well, Cutler – who is currently in Chicago for a cornhole tournament – told the Chicago Sun-Times that he feels a little more appreciation from Bears fans these days than when he actually played for the team.
“I think now there’s maybe a little more appreciation for what I did while I was here,” he told the Sun-Times.
Additionally, Cutler was asked to comment on quarterback Justin Fields, who is about to enter his second NFL season with the Bears.
Cutler said he hopes Fields “will be the next big thing” and become the “greatest quarterback in Chicago Bears history.”
“If the Bears start winning…hopefully they will. And I hope Justin does well and I hope he’s the next big thing here and he’s the best quarterback to come out in Chicago Bears history.
However, Cutler expressed concern that Fields – who Cutler says has “all the tools” – may not be able to pull it off, citing in particular the turnover of Bears coaches and how difficult that can make things. for a quarterback, as Cutler experienced it. in Chicago.
“I love him…he has all the tools, but it’s the same problem the Bears have had for a long time: they’re changing coaches and OCs,” Cutler said. “It’s tough for a quarterback. You look across the league and the guys who are really good at quarterbacking have the same coaches and the same systems every year.
“It’s like learning another language. It’s like if I say to you: “Hey, you have to learn Spanish this year and next year learn Italian and next year learn Chinese”, it’s not going to be easy.
Former Bears head coach Matt Nagy was fired earlier in the offseason. Nagy was heavily criticized for his handling of Fields in Chicago last season, starting last training camp, where Fields got plenty of reps with the first team (Andy Dalton started the season as a starter, and Nick Foles was also part of the team). NFL Assessors were definitely not impressed with the game planning and storylines that Nagy had for Fields as a rookie.
The Bears replaced Nagy with Matt Eberflus (former Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator) as head coach, and Eberflus hired Green Bay Packers passing game coordinator Luke Getsy to be the new coordinator Bears offense. Getsy has drawn praise for his abilities as a quarterback coach, and those around the Bears are optimistic he’s the right person to help Fields take the next steps.
Fired Nagy and added Getsy are smart moves for the Bears on the surface, but Cutler says coaching turnover can complicate things for quarterbacks — and especially young quarterbacks who are still trying to figure things out. . The hope for the Bears and Fields is that the new coaching staff proves to be good and sticks around for many years.
Now, there’s also the roster issue right now, for Fields. Chicago’s offensive line is full of question marks (and inexperience), and there’s clearly a good pass-catching option in place with Darnell Mooney. With an unexciting supporting cast and a new coaching staff, it’s a really tough place for a sophomore quarterback.
Fields threw for seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions with a 73.2 passer rating as a rookie, while adding 420 yards and two rushing touchdowns. His talent and potential were very evident, but he will surely need more help around him to become the quarterback he is capable of being.
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