Jay Cutler Out, Leaving Todd Collins To Take Over Struggling Bears Offense

Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler did not return to the sidelines following the halftime intermission of Sunday night's game against the New York Giants. The unofficial word is that the team suspects that Cutler may have suffered a concussion and is not expected to return to the game.

That leaves veteran clipboard holder Todd Collins to run a Bears offense that was embarrassingly bad in the first half. The offensive line allowed nine sacks and, while Cutler was to blame on at least two of them, perhaps the Bears simply figured they had better get Cutler out of there before he got killed.

This is significant because Cutler is known as a tough competitor who has been hit hard and often, yet normally never comes out of games.

But with the line blocking so poorly and Cutler failing to get rid of the ball quickly, it was destined to be a recipe for disaster.

Amazingly, despite their horrendous offensive play, the Bears were trailing only 3-0 at halftime, thanks to a stout defense led by Brian Urlacher and Julius Peppers, as well as a missed field goal by New York.

Why offensive coordinator Mike Martz is continuing to try and pass the ball with five- and seven-step drops is something that made the TV announcers wonder aloud.

How bad are things for the Bears so far? In their first 31 plays they had a total of 29 yards and two first downs.

Cutler had minus-13 yards passing with a fumble lost and an interception.

The interception couldn't be blamed on the O-line as Cutler simply made a very poor read on the play. Even on Cutler's fumble, he held onto the ball far too long.

Can the opportunistic Bears win another game in ugly fashion? Only time will tell.

Meanwhile, Cutler is likely on his way to the hospital.