Aaron Kromer Issues Apology for Anonymous Criticism of Jay Cutler

Bears offensive coordinator Aaron Kromer apologized to quarterback Jay Cutler for anonymously criticizing him in the press.

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Friday, Dec. 12

Kromer Discusses Apology

Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune reported on Kromer discussing his apology:

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Kromer: "I apologized to Jay in front of the offense." "...I wish I wouldn't have made that mistake."

— Rich Campbell (@Rich_Campbell) December 12, 2014"

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Kromer: I did not consider resigning.

— Rich Campbell (@Rich_Campbell) December 12, 2014"

Cutler Discusses Kromer

Campbell also provided Cutler's thoughts on the Kromer incident: 

Marc Trestman Discusses Situation

The Bears' official Twitter feed reported Marc Trestman's thoughts on the incident between Cutler and Kromer:

Thursday, Dec. 11

Kromer Apologizes to Cutler

Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Aaron Kromer outed himself as a source who privately criticized his quarterback, Jay Cutler, following the team's Week 14 loss to the Dallas Cowboys.

The Chicago Tribune's Brad Biggs reported on Thursday the scene that unfolded as Kromer addressed the team, citing sources with knowledge of the situation:

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Four sources told the Tribune that Kromer adamantly denied he said anything about the franchise having buyer's remorse for Cutler's blockbuster contract and assured players that portion of Sunday's report on NFL Network did not come from him. With Cutler in the room, Kromer did admit however to being frustrated with the quarterback's play management and expressing that to Ian Rapoport as he left Soldier Field on Dec. 4 after the fifth loss in seven games.

Cutler shook his head during Kromer's apology, one source said.

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ESPN's Michael C. Wright reported that Cutler still wasn't pleased with the situation:

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An NFL source who spoke to Cutler after Kromer's apology said the quarterback "certainly isn't happy."

[...]

One NFL source familiar with Cutler has said the quarterback "doesn't trust anyone, [but is a] good guy when you can break down the walls."

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The report also noted that this is the latest hiccup during Marc Trestman's reign in Chicago:

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Prior to this development, multiple sources within the organization were already questioning whether head coach Marc Trestman had enough NFL experience to fall back on to right the ship in what's been a tumultuous season. There were also questions internally as to whether Trestman's leadership style was conducive to success in the NFL, as some staffers believe the coach hasn't been tough enough on players.

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Kromer has at least owned up to his actions, but this situation just creates another sticking point around an already-tumultuous 2014 season for the Bears. The report in which Kromer is cited came from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, per NFL.com's Kevin Patra.

Although a porous defense has been one severe cause for concern, lackluster play from Cutler—who signed a seven-year contract this offseason worth a whopping $126.7 million—is perhaps greater cause for alarm.

With a 26-to-15 touchdown-to-interception ratio, a completion percentage of 66.8 and a 91.7 passer rating, the numbers don't seem disastrous on the surface. The following stat from Pro Football Focus suggests otherwise:

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Which QB has had the most possible interceptions dropped this year? #PFFTrivia

— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) December 11, 2014"

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And the answer is Jay Cutler with 13 dropped interceptions. Joint 2nd Luck, Hoyer and Kaepernick with 10.

— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) December 11, 2014"

In a rare case of systemic stability, Cutler is in his second year in coach Marc Trestman's offense, which suited his skill set and helped him play some of his best football in 2013. However, Cutler has not played to the lofty standards dictated by his massive contract.

So while Kromer's criticism may have been valid, that it wasn't handled internally suggests there is unrest within the organization, which needs significant change this offseason to get back on track.