Can Cutler cut it as the Bears QB?

(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

The 2009 season is the most pivotal year of Chicago Bears football and it all remains on the right shoulder of Jay Cutler.

For countless seasons, the Chicago Bears were easily recognized for their defensive strengths and rushing abilities. This year looks a little different, in response to their consistent criticism regarding a quarterback the Chicago Bears have traded for a rocket-armed, 3-year veteran.

Problem solved right?

Growing up in the Bay Area, my experience with the west coast offense taught me that it always goes through a marquee receiver. Along with the arm, you must have a good set of hands to throw to.

As Montana made Rice, Rice made Montana, Peyton had Marvin, as Jordan had Pippen. And all in all, Cutler had Brandon Marshall and a blooming Eddie Royal.

Now he has a veteran former XFLer, a lightning-fast Hester with no experience as a No. 1 receiver, and a rookie receiver selected with the 99th overall pick in Juaquin Iglesias.

To be fair, I don't really follow college football which is probably why I never heard of him, but I have heard of Michael Crabtree. Furthermore, the winter in Chicago is un-BEAR-able, with temperatures below zero it is also the windiest city in the nation.

In three games with intense wind, Cutler’s QB rating drops to a 74.2 from an 87.1 career average, it even drops to a lower 72.4 in games under 21 degrees. Cutler must perform in skin-blistering cold with a strong wind factor.

Cutler will face a proven secondary in Green Bay and Minnesota. The Chiefs ranked 28th and the Chargers ranked 31st in pass defense last season while the Packers ranked 12th and the Vikings in 18th. He played two games against the 10th ranked pass defense of Oakland where his completions were limited to a 52.5 percent.

Now imagine you are in one of many 30-below zero with gusty wind days at Soldier Field. You already have one interception in the game and you fear being branded the second coming of Grossman. Your face feels like ice demons are ripping you apart and the bruises all over your body reminds you of a full days work.

Ahead you see Charles Woodson and Al Harris eyeing your moves. You realize most 25 years old don’t do this and you find the hopes of a city on your shoulders. Would you really be able to do this following the transitional differences required in relocating to a new franchise with only four months of history?

History tells us we need time to develop team chemistry and by game day, Jay’s existence as a Bear would be four months deep. Short of a No. 1 receiver and experienced linemen in their prime, it really is left all to him.

But in the mist of all his challenges and obstacles, on that given Sunday where the game is on the line, can he do it? Is he able to find that glimpse of daylight and do what his God-given arm does best, in a game of inches, the mindset matters the most. And if he is able to do this, you can forget about everything I said.

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