Chicago Bears: 5 Players Who Prove Patience Matters

Jay Cutler

No man has tested the patience of Chicago Bears fans quite like Jay Cutler. It’s about as pure a love-hate relationship between a player and a city as it can ever be. For every phenomenal play the quarterback has made since being traded to the team in 2009, it seems like a disastrous play has been close on its heels. There is almost no middle ground when looking back on his Bears tenure. It was feast or famine most of the time.

There were plenty of instances where people though the team was ready to cut the cord on him. In 2013 it was the inspired play of Josh McCown who led them to a 3-2 record and had the offense humming by December. Then again in 2014 when Jay was benched by Marc Trestman in favor of Jimmy Clausen. Yet the organization continued to hold out hope that he could figure things out if just given a stable enough situation around him.

So here he is. Cutler is coming off the most efficient season of his career despite spotty protection and an injury-riddled receiving corps. John Fox has provided direction and stability with the coaching staff. The defense is improved and Pace has made it clear the team will move forward with him as their quarterback. It shouldn’t surprise anybody if Bears fans finally get rewarded for enduring the rollercoaster ride the past seven years.