These Moments Are What Killed The Jay Cutler Experiment In Chicago

2011:  The Thumb

Going into 2011, Cutler seemed determined to show everybody they were wrong about him. He was tough enough. He certainly took a beating in the early part of the season as proof. Soon though it was his play that had people changing their minds. After starting 2-3 that year, the Bears rolled off four-straight wins going into an afternoon matchup with the San Diego Chargers at Soldier Field. A win would push them to 7-3 and strong positioning for a wild card spot.

Cutler was brilliant that night. He threw for two touchdowns and ran for another. Chicago cruised to a 31-20 victory. Not long after the game though news began to emerge that something had happened. Apparently Jay had broken the thumb on his throwing hand while attempting to make a tackle following his lone interception of the night. It would require surgery and he’d miss the rest of the regular season.

Without him, all the momentum the Bears had built collapsed. They lost five-straight games and finished 8-8 to miss the playoffs. After the season offensive coordinator Mike Martz was fired, the same man who had helped Cutler to a 18-9 record as a starter. Another questionable decision brought about by bad luck.