There was once a time when Bears quarterback Jay Cutler was viewed as Andrew Luck and Cam Newton are — a young QB with potential to become elite at his position.
Criticisms of Cutler now rest someone between “pretty good” and “really awful.” He started his career in Denver, where he made a name for himself as a gun-slinging signal-caller somewhere between Jake Plummer and Brett Favre. Detractors of Cutty will say he’s more Plummer while his fans might say no quarterback throws interceptions as well as Cutler, save for Favre.
Despite his previous struggles in Chicago, Cutty is playing as well as he ever has in 2015. Through seven games this season, the Bears QB has thrown eight touchdowns against four interceptions with a 62 completion percentage.
What’s been more impressive this season is his clutch factor. Cutler has been one of the league’s best decision makers in critical situations.
Jay Cutler of @ChicagoBears ranks 2nd w/ a 92.4 Total QBR on 3rd down this year (Palmer, 92.8).
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) November 9, 2015
Bears at Chargers, 8:30 ET (ESPN/WatchESPN)
On third downs this year, he has completed 38-52 passes for 3 touchdowns and 600 yards. In most typical third down situations (mid-range, 3-8 yards out), Cutler has been exceptional. In this instance, Cutty has a a 9.38 yard-per-completion average and a 122.2 quarterback rating.
Elite quarterbacks are their best in clutch moments. Perhaps the Bears already have their quarterback of the future?
