Cutler takes criticism in stride
June 13, 2009
BY ADAM L. JAHNS
ajahns@chicagosuntimes.com
Being anointed a franchise quarterback for a franchise with a history of quarterbacking as dire as the Bears can’t be easy.
Throw in some flak from former NFL coaches and the media and things can only get tougher.
But Jay Cutler is taking it all in stride.
‘‘I think every quarterback in the NFL has a lot of pressure,’’ Cutler said Saturday
after a diabetes awareness event at La Rabida Children’s Hospital on the South Side. ‘‘You are trying to lead a team offensively.
You are trying to do the best you can out there. Anywhere you go you’re going to have pressure.
Obviously, Chicago has great fans and great tradition. They expect a lot. And, I expect a lot out of myself. It’s going to be a fun year.’’
The Bears’ acquisition of Cutler, a 26-year-old with a rocket for a right arm, from the Denver Broncos has been praised for both its craftiness and guts.
But it also has been critiqued because of what the Bears gave up and the circumstances surrounding his departure.
Some analysts — including former coaches Tony Dungy and Mike Ditka — also think Cutler still has to prove himself,
even though he made the Pro Bowl last season.
Again, Cutler takes it all in stride — as if it comes with the territory.
If he does have a problem with any recently made comments, he’s not showing it.
‘‘I’m fine with everything they said,’’ Cutler said. ‘‘I haven’t played a game here.
I’m yet to step on the field and throw a pass.
There is a lot of stuff out there and there is a lot of questions.
They are all good questions. I think once the season gets going we’ll have some answers to some of those. But I’m enjoying it here.
I’m having a great time.
I’m having a great time with the Chicago Bears.
I’m looking forward to the season.’’
One thing there shouldn’t be questions about is that Cutler’s arrival has created a permeating buzz around Chicago.
Saturday’s turnout at La Rabida — where about 200 fans, young and old, braved the windy and rainy conditions outdoors — is evidence of that.
‘‘The support in this town has been phenomenal ... and I haven’t thrown a ball yet,’’ Cutler said.
‘‘There is a lot to live up to, but I’m looking forward to it.
I’m going to try not to let anybody down.’’
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/footb...061309.article
Cutler to critics: It's cool, I've got a pair.
Cutler to critics: It's cool, I've got a pair.
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