NFL Takeaways: Jay Cutler The Coach Killer
By Erik Lambert
Oct 5, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) reacts after an interception during the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the Bears 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Week 5 offered plenty of drama and clear messages across the NFL. Which teams, players or coaches drew the most attention?
Chargers thumping of New York Jets puts them in serious title contention
If people were still skeptical of the San Diego Chargers heading into the second quarter of the season, they sent a clear message to the league that they are for real by railroading the New York Jets 31-0. Suddenly the Bolts are not just a one-dimensional team. They have both offense and defense and each are clicking. That most definitely make them not just a playoff contender in the AFC but a serious dark horse threat to reach the Super Bowl. It’s not like their competition is so overwhelming. They beat Cincinnati in the playoffs last year. They beat the Broncos last year. New England has struggled a lot lately. The window is wide open.
Jay Cutler is going to get Mel Tucker fired
Changes could be coming soon for the Chicago Bears and the bulk of the predictions center around defensive coordinator Mel Tucker. Once again his unit failed to protect a lead in the second half of a game, something that has become a persistent problem for him dating back to last season. Many fans predict Tucker won’t survive the season, which really isn’t entirely fair because he has the unfortunate job of trying to rebuild an old unit while playing on the same team as Jay Cutler, who continues to showcase his Jekyll and Hyde ways with badly timed turnovers. Tucker deserves blame for a lot of the struggles, but if there is one player who could get him fired, it will be his quarterback.
New Orleans Saints and New England Patriots still have problems
Two traditional powerhouses appear back on track after big wins in Week 5. However, things are not all fine and dandy for the New Orleans Saints and New England Patriots. The Saints defense is still a puzzling enigma that can’t seem to stop anybody. Nevermind the teams’ ugly record away from the Superdome. As for the Patriots, there jump out to an early lead masked their ongoing problems defending the run. Tom Brady was better but he was still pressured at times and missed a lot of passes he typically doesn’t. By no means are either team shoe-ins for the playoffs just yet.
Jim Harbaugh and San Francisco 49ers doing what they have to
One word came to mind regarding the San Francisco 49ers when they started the 2014 NFL season: survival. All they had to do was make it through the first half of the season with a decent record because head coach Jim Harbaugh knows reinforcements will be waiting on the other side in the form of Pro Bowl defenders NaVorro Bowman and Aldon Smith. After a rough stretch the 49ers are very much alive at 3-2. If they can continue to slug their way through the schedule, things could hit overdrive right when they need it most.