Emma: Jay Cutler Comfortable With New Coaching Staff
By Chris Emma--
BOURBONNAIS, Ill. (CBS) -- Forget about any notion that Bears quarterback Jay Cutler arrived at training camp ready to reinvent the wheel.
Such a concept runs rampant through Chicago each summer like '85 Bears on car commercials.
Truth be told, Cutler isn't a different guy -- and that's OK. He's a trusted teammate and a quiet leader, with only his consistency needing to change. Of more importance are the changes around Cutler, most notably at the head coaching position with the no-nonsense approach of John Fox.
"Fox, he's not going to sugarcoat anything," Cutler said. "He tells you exactly how it is, what he expects from you, how things are going to go from day to day. He wants guys that want to win Super Bowls. That's all he wants. He doesn't want guys that are in it for themselves or want to go to the Pro Bowl. He's got one thing in mind, and that's the Super Bowl."
The Bears are united once again, a far cry from their horrid 2014 season. For Cutler, the shift in regime was much needed.
As the 2014 season dwindled away, former coach Marc Trestman benched Cutler, then was forced to start him in the Week 17 swan song when backup Jimmy Clausen suffered a concussion. Cutler has a quality working relationship with new offensive coordinator Adam Gase, an innovative coach with whom he holds a solid trust.
Cutler's comfortable with his offense, too. He took his receiving core to Nashville in early July for workouts and some bonding. There's trust with his targets like Alshon Jeffery, Martellus Bennett, as well as new additions Eddie Royal and rookie Kevin White. The feeling is mutual.
"He's a giving, caring person," Fox said of Cutler.
At 32, Cutler is entering his seventh season in Chicago. Through most of that time, he's been working in the fire of great scrutiny. He's already gone through two head coaches, four offensive coordinators and four quarterbacks coaches. Now, add one to each number with the new staff starting training camp in Bourbonnais.
Fox was brought in to offer stability. His easygoing demeanor is something the players can potentially thrive with.
"More than anything, guys like coming to work now," Cutler said.
A fresh start has met the Bears in Bourbonnais. It's something they've grasped on to.
But for Cutler, who's owed just $6 million more guaranteed in the second of a seven-year deal -- this may well be his last in Chicago should production not follow. Is he feeling the pressure?
"He doesn't wear his heart on his sleeve, so I can't speak to what he's got in his hand," Bears guard and noted Cutler supporter Kyle Long said.
Cutler's response to this question would be pretty predictable.
Nah.
After all, Cutler is still the same laid-back guy. A nine-figure contract, fatherhood and even driving a conversion van didn't make him different, and nothing really will.
What will make Cutler better in 2015 is the comfort of a close supporting cast and the trust held in his new coaches. Perhaps this is finally the season things come together for the Bears' quarterback.
At least that's a lesser task than reinventing the wheel.
Follow Chris on Twitter @CEmma670.
