5 Reasons Jay Cutler Will Be a Top-5 QB in 2012

Jay Cutler has always had the talent and that rocket arm, but until now he hasn't had a decent offense surrounding him in Chicago. But with the addition of Brandon Marshall, the change in coordinators, and other improvements, he is set up for success.

That is, with the possible exception of that offensive line. But assuming he can remain upright most of the time, this could be the year that Cutler finally gets some respect and another Pro Bowl selection.

Now, the assignment was to come up with reasons why Cutler would be a top five QB this season. But even I understand how optimistic that is. Until he gets the rings, that elite list will be out of his reach.

But he can move much closer to that with a good season and a long run in the playoffs, both of which are attainable in my opinion.

Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, Ben Roethlisberger and Tom Brady likely comprise the current top five on most fans lists (assuming that Peyton can still play), while Eli Manning, Matthew Stafford, and Phillip Rivers are in the conversation as well.

But the next tier includes QBs such as Matt Ryan, Cam Newton, Michael Vick and Cutler. Here is how he can separate himself from that pack.

Legitimate Shot at Winning the Super Bowl

I realize that QBs such as Doug Williams and Trent Dilfer have won a ring in the NFL. But for the most part, you need an elite QB to win a title.

That said, if Cutler can lead his Bears to the championship this year, and has a good season with a strong playoff performance, he will move into that next tier of players who are mentioned as belonging to the top five or very close to it.

Just like in the NBA, greatness among NFL QBs is largely based on how many rings he has. That's because QBs are supposed to be the leader of their teams. And leaders help win championships.

While their own division is extremely competitive, with both Green Bay and Detroit expected to once again be among the best teams in the NFL, the Bears are certainly in contention this year. When Cutler got hurt last season, the Bears were 7-3 and on a five game winning streak where they averaged 27 points per game.

Better Weapons

By going out and acquiring a true No.1 wide receiver, the Bears have finally surrounded Cutler with the talent he needs. And it was not just any No.1 wideout, it was his buddy and former teammate Brandon Marshall, who he enjoyed success with back in Denver.

Besides Marshall, the Bears drafted Alshon Jeffery, who should also help give cutler a huge red zone target to throw to.

Even their new backup running back is starter material. Michael Bush will compliment Matt Forte (yes, he will eventually sign) very well, able to get the short first down and score touchdowns near the goal line.

Another draft pick who should help Cutler, besides Jeffery, is Evan Rodriguez. He is a hybrid tight end who should compliment Kellen Davis very well. Rodriguez is capable of taking a short pass and getting a good burst.

Coaching Changes

With Mike Martz gone, Cutler will once again be allowed to audiblize, changing the play at the line of scrimmage based on the defensive alignment as necessary.

Plus, with Martz gone, the play calling should be more balanced. Mike Tice is expected to be more flexible and willing to listen to Cutler's suggestions.

Tice will also throw the ball deep, something that plays to Cutler's strengths, taking advantage of his big arm. Additionally, Cutler won't have to face those seven step drops and will be allowed to roll out more, once again taking advantage of a Cutler strength (his mobility).

Finally, reuniting Cutler with Jeremy Bates gives Cutler a comfort factor and someone he respects. He knows both Cutler and Marshall, and his fiery demeanor should work well with Cutler.

Cutler threw for a franchise record 4,526 yards and played in the Pro Bowl after the 2008 season, while Marshall hauled in more than 100 passes in 2007 and 2008 with Bates.

Cutler's Maturity and Leadership

Even last year, prior to the injury, we could see the emergence of a new Cutler. He was more vocal, willing to display the leadership that a QB needs.  

And now that he's going to be a daddy, one can expect Cutler to take things more seriously than ever. Back in February, the Chicago Tribune quoted Matt Forte, who said that fatherhood will mature Cutler even further.

Even Bates sees a more mature and confident Cutler. Gene Chamberlain of cbssports.com reported the following quote from Bates: "I think the experience of any profession or anything you do, the more times you do it you grow with it -- both good and bad. So he's definitely more mature as a player because he's had good games, bad games, and you get better every game. The more experiences, the more snaps, you're always going to get better at your craft."

Last year, Cutler got Lovie Smith to force Martz to balance the offense a bit and he took on Martz himself at times, infamously dropping the F-bomb on his former coordinator.

Greg Couch on FoxSports recognized the change in Cutler before he broke his thumb last season. "Cutler was finally getting it together, changing the definition of himself and maybe defining a new leadership. Now, a simple cruelty might steal a big season, and a big moment, too."

Hopefully, with better luck, this is the year he takes that leadership to new heights.

Improved Red Zone Performance

One of the knocks against Cutler, even going back to his Denver days, was that he threw interceptions in the red zone. From the 20 to the 20 Cutler was fine, but once his team got close to scoring he either couldn't pull the trigger or he self destructed.

But a lot of that can be summed up to youthful inexperience and a lack of a go-to receiver with the Bears. He also has that cannon of an arm, which can actually be a hindrance to him, as he trusts it so much he often forces balls into tight coverage.

But this year, with taller wide receivers like Marshall and Alshon Jeffery, who can go up and get the ball, along with Kellen Davis, Cutler has outlets to go to in crunch time.

Plus, with an improved offense, Cutler shouldn't feel so much pressure to score, so he will be more relaxed and under control inside the 20.