7 Reasons Jay Cutler Will Make the 2011 Pro Bowl

Some people reading the headline may be laughing at the thought that Cutler could make the Pro Bowl.  After all, he hasn’t exactly been one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL since coming to the Bears in that blockbuster deal two seasons ago.  And he’s been torn apart by fans, the media and his peers as being a weak quarterback who left his team high and dry in the NFC Championship game.

So how is it even possible that Cutler could end up getting into the Pro Bowl?  Well, it is possible and we will see how as we take a look at seven reasons why he will make the Pro Bowl in 2011.

Arm Strength

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 23: Quarterback Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears throws out his right arm to avoid a tackle by Charles Woodson #21 of the Green Bay Packers in the second quarter of the NFC Championship Game at Soldier Field on January 23, 2011 in

It’s a proven fact that Cutler has one of the strongest arms in the NFL and if he can complete some deep passes down the field and gain a lot of yards, then his stats will be better.  The Pro Bowl traditionally features a lot of strong-armed quarterbacks and if Cutler can use that big arm of his often in 2011, he could make the Pro Bowl.

Let’s just hope that his receivers are able to catch those deep balls.

Another Year in the Martz Offense

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 23: Sam Shields #37 of the Green Bay Packers sacks quarterback Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears in the second quarter in the NFC Championship Game at Soldier Field on January 23, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Ge

Another year in the Mike Martz system will only serve to help Cutler, and if he understands the system better he’s going to perform better.  In fact his receivers are going to perform better so we could be looking at a much better season on offense for Cutler and the Bears. 

It does take a while to learn this offense and now that the guys have had a chance at learning it last year, things will run better this year.  There will be crisper and more accurate routes run and Cutler’s timing will be better.

Better Protection

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

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

The Bear’s offense line will continue to be retooled heading into the season, and if they can pass protect even a little bit better than they did last year that means less sacks.  Less sacks means that Cutler will have a much easier time throwing the ball.  And more completions equals better numbers for Cutler, more success for the offense and a better possibility of getting to the Pro Bowl.

Hopefully the Bear’s pass protection get’s better, because if it doesn’t, Cutler’s shot at the Pro Bowl could be seriously damaged.

Something to Prove

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 16: Quarterback Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears talks with his offense as Marcus Trufant #23 of the Seattle Seahawks is injured on the field in the second half against the Seattle Seahawks in the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game

Remember everyone’s reaction last season when Cutler went out of the NFC Championship game with a knee injury?  He was vilified by the media, fellow players (outside of the Bears) and fans for what happened.  It’s assured that Cutler is going to want to prove all of those doubters wrong so we could see him be on top of his game next year.

Cutler will want to prove his doubters wrong and this could be something that helps lift him into the Pro Bowl next year.

Mike Martz

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 16: Quarterback Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears talks with offensive coordinator Mike Martz in the second half against the Seattle Seahawks in the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Soldier Field on January 16, 2011 in Chicago,

Martz is an innovator and his offenses have been some of the most productive in league history.  Martz is sure to make some adjustments this offseason to improve the offense for next year and if Cutler is able to adapt, then he should have a much better season. 

Martz is going to do whatever he has to do to make sure Cutler succeeds, and if it ends up working, then Cutler could have a Pro Bowl season.

The Need to Pass

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 26: Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears throws a pass against the New York Jets at Soldier Field on December 26, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

If the Bears end up finding out that their passing game is going to work much better next season, then they may end up passing more.  The running game will always be there, but with more confidence and better routes being run in their second year (in the offense), the Bears may find that their passing game works.  That means that they will use it much more often.

And if that’s the case, Cutler could easily find himself with a shot at making the Pro Bowl with a lot of passing opportunities and a lot of success.

The X-Factor

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 16: Quarterback Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears throws the ball in the first quarter against the Seattle Seahawks in the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Soldier Field on January 16, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonat

There are probably people reading this that feel that there is no way that Cutler is going to get close to making the Pro Bowl.  I am sure that there are also others that feel that the Bears aren’t going to even win half their games this coming year.  But remember, there weren’t that many people who thought that the Bears would even make the playoffs last year.  What does that prove? 

That anything is possible.

And even after last season where Cutler struggled at times, mostly thanks to his offensive line not being able to protect him and his receivers had problems Cutler can be poised to make the Pro Bowl this season. 

In the NFL especially, anything is possible.