Jay Cutler Beginning To Generate Pro Bowl Buzz

Nov 15, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) passes against the St. Louis Rams during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Did anybody ever expect they’d live to see the day?  That moment when, for the first time in three decades a Chicago Bears quarterback garnered widespread talk amongst fans and media as a legitimate Pro Bowl contender.  Jay Cutler hasn’t heard such talk for seven years.  The last time he made the trip to Hawaii was 2008, and that was with the Denver Broncos.  Since arriving in the Windy City he has gone through series of underachieving seasons that only offered glimpses of what he could.

Now, nine games into 10th season and coming off arguably the best game of his career (19-of-24, 258 yards, 3 TDs, 151.0 QBR) and leading the Bears to four wins in their last six games, people can’t hold back the question anymore.  Is the 32-year old in position to claim his second Pro Bowl?

Chris Emma of CBS Chicago echoes these sentiments.

"“(Adam) Gase has made Jay Cutler into a Pro Bowl quarterback this season. He finished Sunday’s contest 19-of-24 for 258 yards and three touchdowns, compiling a 151.0 quarterback rating. In the first half, he finished with a perfect 158.3 mark.More notably, Cutler has done this without Forte, Eddie Royal and Kevin White, with Alshon Jeffery playing at less than 100 percent after injuring his groin in practice last week. Miller has become a playmaker for the Bears’ offense, Langford is emerging as a bright back and Carey provided a change of pace.”"

Indeed his surprising success must be credited to head coach John Fox but especially offensive coordinator Adam Gase.  Widely viewed as one of the best young minds in football, Gase’s teaching ability and play calling prowess have been evident from the start.  The players are buying in and the results are showing up on the field.

In 2014 the Bears failed to score 30 or more points one time.  Nine games into 2015, they’ve done it twice and largely with the same personnel.  Cutler of course is leading the way.  Despite a game and a half due to a groin injury, he has thrown for 2,045 yards, scored 14 touchdown and thrown just five interceptions.  His 95.3 quarterback rating is on pace to be the best of his career.

Want an idea of how much he has matured this season?  Check this out.

Note Cutler’s activity right before the snap on this 3rd and goal play in the 4th quarter.  It’s clear that he’s changing the play, calling an audible.

Anticipating a rush up the field by the Rams, he switches to a run by Jeremy Langford.

It was the exact right call as the rookie running back found a lane and scored almost untouched.

The Cutler of the past never would’ve made calls like that.  It’s what Pro Bowlers do.  Take a deep breath, Chicago.  The long drought may finally be over.