Chicago Bears: 5 Reasons Jay Cutler Is Still the QB of the Future

To say that there has been more than ample criticism of Chicago Bears QB Jay Cutler is the understatement of the year.

Fans in Denver quickly turned on him following his trade to Chicago. And when it appeared that Cutler had removed himself from the NFC Championship game against the Green Bay Packers, the Twitter world was abuzz with current and former NFL players criticizing his supposed unwillingness to play.

That Cutler was, in fact, injured and not playing well anyway seemed to be facts that simply would not get in the way of a good story for people who just don't like him. And there are many that feel this way.

Look, I've certainly had my moments of frustration with the man myself. I see all that talent and those darn red zone interceptions and wonder why.

However, unlike the haters, I also see a Bears team that had an awful offensive line and an inexperienced wide receiver corps that didn't always run the best routes.

With an improved line, and assuming the Bears add a veteran wideout, this could be the year for Cutler. If there actually is a season, of course.

Here are five reasons why.

Mike Martz

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 16: Offensive coordinator Mike Martz of the Chicago Bears reacts in the second half against the Seattle Seahawks in the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Soldier Field on January 16, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan

Having Mike Martz as your offensive coordinator virtually assures you that the passing game will be prominent in the gameplan each week.

Now, it is true that last season's "come to Jesus" meeting between Mike Tice, Lovie Smith and Martz resulted in a much more balanced offense that featured more running than the pass-happy Martz normally prefers.

But that was then, this is now. Sure, the Bears will continue to run the football—no question about that. Matt Forte is too good and Lovie is too committed for that not to happen.

But if the offensive line is improved and gives Cutler the time he needs, I would expect more longer passes in 2011, and more chances for Jay to shine. That is, assuming that he has the right wide receivers to throw to.

Opening up the famous Martz playbook now that the offense has had a second year to learn the system should produce better results for Cutler and the Bears offense.

A Cannon for an Arm

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TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 07: Jay Cutler # 6 of the Chicago Bears passes against the Buffalo Bills at Rogers Centre on November 7, 2010 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

Another reason that I still believe in Cutler as the future of the this club is that, despite all the sacks, and even the questionable throws last season, he hasn't lost that rocket of an arm.

Arm strength is simply something that cannot be taught. It is a God-given ability and Cutler has it.

True, that alone doesn't guarantee success. Lots of teams have had strong-armed QBs that have failed. Heck, Bears fans know some of them painfully well. Anyone who watched Bobby Douglass and Vince Evans realizes that accuracy is important too.

But arm strength does matter, folks, especially in a Martz system containing tight routes that require precise throws zipped into sometimes tight spaces.

Look, Cutler has parts of his game that needs work. Even the most optimistic amongst us must understand that.

His mechanics and his reads often are sloppy and careless. And that arm can get him in trouble at times, as his confidence in that golden arm results in his forcing throws into coverage.

But perhaps Cutler has learned some humility by now. Maybe his impending marriage and the mentoring of Mike Martz will allow him to mature a little.

Meanwhile, he will always have that arm. And that is an advantage over other QBs.  

Time Is on His Side

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 16: Quarterback Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears smiles late in the second half against the Seattle Seahawks in the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Soldier Field on January 16, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Da

Cutler has been talked about so much and has been so high profile that some people tend to forget that the man only recently turned 28 years old.

In the rough and gruff NFL world, 28 is not a baby, but it's not exactly AARP time yet either.  Cutler should be just coming into his peak years over 2011 and 2012.

As a point of reference, Drew Brees had his first 4,000 yard passing season at age 27 and had his most yardage at 29.

Tom Brady was 28 when he first hit 4,000. And his first full season QB rating over 100 didn't happen until he was 30. Same with Peyton Manning—he was 28 when he posted his first 100+ rating.

Now, those are Hall of Fame QBs, but the point is that even the great ones tend to get better with age, up to a certain point. Cutler should just be entering his prime and that's another reason why I still believe in him as the future of the Bears franchise.

Cutler's Mobility

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CHICAGO - NOVEMBER 28: Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears breaks away from Quintin Mikell #27 of the Philadelphia Eagles at Soldier Field on November 28, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Eagles 31-26. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Image

In today's NFL, the stereotypical pocket passer is a thing of the past for the most part. QBs who are mobile enough to elude the pass rush tend to stay upright longer, have more extended careers and simply end up with better results.

Now, despite Cutler's mobility he hit the dirt way too much last season, we recognize that. But did you notice that once the Bears adjusted at the bye week, Cutler started rolling out more and using his legs to his advantage?

Now that the Bears will start the season knowing this, perhaps it will results in better production from Cutler.

The man can run. He can be elusive, although he still does not seem to feel the rush, especially on his blind side. That's where the line protection needs to help.

The term "mobility" doesn't have to mean that a QB is the next Fran Tarkenton or Mike Vick. But it is critical to be able to buy time for receivers to get open, especially in the Martz scheme.

Cutler can do this and do it well.

Improved Protection and Weapons

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PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Offensive lineman Gabe Carimi #68 of the Wisconsin Badgers warms up prior to playing the TCU Horned Frogs in the 97th Rose Bowl game on January 1, 2011 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

The Bears cannot be done dealing or else this slide is fairly bogus. Yes, I love the drafting of Gabe Carimi, but his presence alone is not enough. The Bears have to find another lineman (perhaps a guard?) for the O-line to truly be improved.

But, assuming that happens, this should be a much better blocking team that last year's version.

Now, I hope the Bears don't put Carimi at left tackle. Yes, I know he played there at Wisconsin but he simply does not have the footwork to make it there in the NFL. And we shouldn't screw around with such a talented young player.

Having said that, I am not exactly certain that J'Marcus Webb is the answer there either, but if they put Carimi at right tackle at least they will be putting the young man in a position to succeed right away.

Likewise, I hope the Bears abandon the Chris Williams-as-starter experience. I know he was a number one draft choice, but he hasn't looked good anywhere he's played.

But the offense also needs a proven, big physical wideout to compliment the young and inexperienced (and short!) WRs they currently have on their roster.

There are some that should be available once the lockout mess is over, so the Bears must go get one. I'd love Sidney Rice, but I'll take Mike Sims-Walker or Malcom Floyd.