Jay Cutler Plays His Best When His Job Is On the Line

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Nov 16, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports /

2014: The Salvage Operation

A lot of people have forgotten exactly what happened in the 2014 season. For good reasons. It was one of the craziest and least enjoyable experiences Bears fans have ever had. The sheer dysfunction and ineptitude of that team was incredible. Most just lump Cutler in with that mess. Though he was at its heart thanks to a rift with the coaching staff, the reality is he again found a way to save his own behind that almost nobody remembers.

It came in the wake of the absolute worst two-game stretch in franchise history. The Bears were obliterated by the Patriots and Packers, allowing over 50 points in both games. Embarrassment was felt by everybody. People began to talk about a complete scrubbing of the roster from the top down. Blow it up and start over. Just in the nick of time, Cutler put together back-to-back wins over Minnesota and Tampa Bay. It didn’t save the season, but it (and his contract) were enough to prevent his outright removal.

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