Are the Chicago Bears Right to Hand Offense to Jay Cutler?
By Erik Lambert
Jul 25, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler throws a pass during training camp at Olivet Nazarene University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Word out of Halas Hall is the Chicago Bears hope to give quarterback Jay Cutler more control of the offense. Is that the right decision?
Marc Trestman wants Jay to run the offense more than him
Experts have lauded Bears head coach Marc Trestman for being a quarterback specialist as a coach. So it must mean something when he makes a big decision regarding the position. Apparently that is in the works. News has begun to filter out that the goal of Trestman and his coaching staff is to do everything possible to give Jay Cutler more command of the offense. The belief is that given his experience he’s ready to overtake the process, including play calling. Offensive coordinator Aaron Kromer said that Cutler is already doing it for the most part from lining up guys correctly, changing passing routes and getting the most out of each play. Such a step-by-step process could very well lead to him calling his own plays, taking some of the duties away from Trestman. The question is whether or not that is the best idea.
NFL history spins positive note and autonomous quarterbacks
Not every story of complete quarterback control of an offense is one of success, but history showcases a lot of positive outcomes whenever it happens. During the 1970s, two of the most dominant teams of the decade were the Pittsburgh Steelers and Oakland Raiders. They met five times in the playoffs and won a collective five Super Bowls. At the head of their successes were quarterbacks Terry Bradshaw and Kenny Stabler. For the most part the two were different types of players. Bradshaw was known more for his mobility and rocket right arm while Stabler was the steady lefty with terrific accuracy. Yet they did share one unique thing in common. Both called their own plays in the offense.
The same goes for Cincinnati MVP Boomer Esiason, Hall of Fame Buffalo Bills K-Gun operator Jim Kelly and of course the indomitable Peyton Manning. Defensive players have said that quarterbacks who can call their own plays offer an unfair advantage because it’s like having an offensive coordinator on the field and in the huddle. If that is where the Chicago Bears are trying to get Jay Cutler, then the move is exactly the right thing to do.