These Moments Are What Killed The Jay Cutler Experiment In Chicago

Sep 25, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler on the field before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler on the field before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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2014:  The Betrayal

This is what many might consider one of the lowest points in the history of the Chicago Bears organization. Even though the team finished 5-11, the sheer dysfunction that took place that season is staggering. Most of it centered around Cutler and his deteriorating relationship with the coaching staff. Specifically Marc Trestman and offensive coordinator Aaron Kromer. It started when NFL insider Ian Rapoport declared that many in the organization were having serious misgivings about Cutler as the starter.

"“I’m told by Bears sources that there is a serious case of buyer’s remorse for Jay Cutler and signing him to that huge contract that is, by the way, guaranteed through next year. Jay Cutler simply has not played well enough, and it’s not just in the passing game: his refusal to check out of bad run plays is absolutely killed this team, and there is a serious case of frustration inside the organization about the way Jay Cutler [has] played.”"

Not too long after that the Chicago Tribune dug into the situation and it was revealed Kromer had made an apology to the players, admitting he’d been the one who leaked the quote to Rapoport.

"“Four sources told the Tribune that Kromer adamantly denied he said anything about the franchise having buyer’s remorse for Cutler’s blockbuster contract and assured players that portion of Sunday’s report on NFL Network did not come from him. With Cutler in the room, Kromer did admit however to being frustrated with the quarterback’s play management and expressing that to Ian Rapoport as he left Soldier Field on Dec. 4 after the fifth loss in seven games. Cutler shook his head during Kromer’s apology, one source said.”"

Needless to say things bottomed out after that. Cutler was benched in the second to last game of the season for Jimmy Clausen. Part of it was his play but also it was clear enough he’d long since tuned out the coaches. How could he trust them at that point? Shortly after the season Trestman and his entire staff was fired, as was the man who hired him in GM Phil Emery.