Jay Cutler, former quarterback of the Chicago Bears, is not happy with the team’s current state. He believes that Matt Nagy and Ryan Pace have done a poor job in their tenure as head coaches.
Jay Cutler, the former quarterback for the Chicago Bears, weighs in on the team’s head coach Matt Nagy, general manager Ryan Pace, and rookie quarterback Justin Fields.
Jay Cutler, a former NFL quarterback who spent eight years with the Chicago Bears, has a good understanding of the organization. The quarterback-turned-reality-star-turned-podcast-host recently shared his thoughts on the club, head coach Matt Nagy, and general manager Ryan Pace with fellow NFLer-turned-podcaster Pat McAfee. He also explained why he thinks Justin Fields, the rookie quarterback, is the key to both of their job security in the future.
For eight seasons, Jay Cutler was the quarterback for the Chicago Bears.
(L-R) Matt Nagy, Justin Fields, and Jay Cutler | Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images; Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Jay Cutler of Vanderbilt was selected 11th overall in the 2006 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos. The club dismissed coach Mike Shanahan, recruited New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, and traded Cutler after three successful seasons in Denver, including a Pro Bowl participation in 2008.
Cutler and a 2009 fifth-round selection were traded by the Broncos to the Chicago Bears in exchange for 2009 first- and third-round choices, as well as a first-round pick in 2010.
Cutler’s following eight seasons were very fruitful for him, but the team only made it to the playoffs once. Despite throwing 23,443 yards and 154 touchdowns, the former Commodore also tossed 109 interceptions. In 2009 and 2014, he topped the league in this category both times.
In his time as a starter in Chicago, he had a 51-51 record. Despite the team’s lack of success, he is the franchise’s all-time leader in passing yards, touchdowns, and completions.
After retiring and then returning to the Miami Dolphins for one season, Cutler announced his retirement from the NFL after the 2017 season.
Cutler discussed the current Bears quarterback competition between Justin Fields and Andy Dalton.
One of former NFL punter Pat McAfee’s co-hosts on The Pat McAfee Show 2.0 questioned Cutler about the present state of things in the Windy City, given that he is one of the greatest quarterbacks in Bears history (unfortunately true).
“Do we believe Matt Nagy and [Ryan] Pace are Chicago’s answer?” Zito enquired. “Oh God, that’s a difficult question,” Cutler said. Before starting into his response, he said, “What a loaded question.”
All of it boils down to Just Fields. [Nagy and Pace] probably purchased two to three more years if they can make it work with him at some time throughout the season. If this implodes and doesn’t go the way it’s intended to go, I have no idea what will happen because the draft choices — especially the first-round draft picks — haven’t been great. Coach Nagy is someone I admire. His offense appeals to me. I’m a fan of his because the men in the locker room have only spoken nice things about him. But, because you can only play with what you have on the field, we’ll have to wait and see.
Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler
Nagy has to alter direction as quickly as possible if Cutler is correct. Since the NFL Draft, the second-year coach has been emphatic that Dalton is the team’s starter. If this season and Fields’ growth are as important to Nagy and Pace’s job security as Cutler claims, they need to get him on the field as soon as possible.
When will Justin Fields make his debut for the Bears?
Buffalo Bills defensive back Nick McCloud intercepted Andy Dalton’s last preseason throw in a poetic irony (or maybe a foreshadowing of things to come). Justin Fields’ final preseason throw, on the other hand, featured an acrobatic scramble to his right and a perfect touchdown ball to tight end Jesper Horsted on the side of the end zone.
Week 1 should be the answer to the question, “When will the Bears start Justin Fields?” Nagy, on the other hand, has said unequivocally that Dalton will start the game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday Night Football.
Nagy will most likely have a fast hook if Dalton stumbles in the first few games. In Weeks 2, 4, and 5, the former Kansas City Chiefs assistant will have plenty of chances to ease Fields into the NFL. The Bears face mediocre defenses in these games against the Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions, and Las Vegas Raiders, respectively.
If the Bears go beyond that point without Fields and with a losing record, it might spell the end for both Nagy and Pace’s tenures with the team.
Pro Football Reference provided all stats.
RELATED: Matt Nagy Talks About How an Inspirational Giannis Antetokounmpo Quote Has Helped Him Deal With Justin Fields’ Situation
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