Emma: Jay Cutler Is Bears' Stabilizing Force
By Chris Emma--
BOURBONNAIS, Ill. (CBS) -- Narratives, narratives. They've followed Bears quarterback Jay Cutler throughout his whole career.
Chicago's most polarizing athlete has been dissected in every which way. A favorite Cutler storyline came when he showed up to training camp two years ago in a conversion van. Yes, as teammates rolled up in Beamers and Escalades, Cutler drove a soccer mom van, and the story machine churned.
The narratives have long suggested during Cutler's time in Chicago that the Bears couldn't win with him. It's changed now and become clear that the Bears can't win without him. Cutler proved last season that with competent coaching built around him, he could succeed.
So when Cutler arrived at Olivet Nazarene on Wednesday for the eighth time as Bears quarterback, the storyline was about ... Snapchat?
The 33-year-old Cutler is one of the elder statesmen of the Bears, serving as the second-oldest player on the roster behind only kicker Robbie Gould. Cutler has tried to relate to young teammates, even with the help of his wife.
"Kristin (Cavallari) does the Snapchat and all that stuff," Cutler said. "I got a taste of it. Kyle (Long) has his computer setup. People are watching him play video games, which blows my mind, that people tune in to watch somebody play video games. It's different. It's definitely different. But you got to embrace it."
Welcome to a new season, Jay.
Way back in what seems like an eternity ago, when the Bears brought in Cutler from the Broncos as their franchise quarterback, he struggled to fit in with a veteran locker room. Now, this is his team.
In fact, Cutler is the Bears' stabilizing force. Without him, they're doomed.
Chicago's backfield is uncertain with Jeremy Langford replacing Matt Forte, and the shuffled offensive line isn't set. Health at receiver will ultimately decide whether the offense will be average or good, as Cutler worked without Alshon Jeffery, Kevin White and Eddie Royal in most of the 2015 season.
Even with the injuries at receiver and replacement-level substitutes, Cutler still had an efficient season of 3,659 yards and 21 touchdowns to 11 interceptions. He earned the trust of coach John Fox.
"At the conclusion of a whole season working with Jay, I was very impressed," Fox said.
Backup quarterback Brian Hoyer is a fine fit, but he's no Cutler. Without QB1 under center, offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains will be stuck in quite the pickle trying to put points on the board.
The Bears can't live in a Cutler-less world this season. They built an offense in which Cutler can succeed, from promoting Loggains from quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator, to constructing schemes that allow Cutler to take maximize Jeffery and White and minimize mistakes.
Every bit of this young Bears core on offense is centered around Cutler, the MVB -- most valuable Bear.
"New talent and new guys in the building is new energy and new attitude," Cutler said. "I've enjoyed it and I've embraced it, I've enjoyed it."
Cutler is playing the third year of a seven-year deal, and it's the final season of guaranteed money. Given the climate in which teams try to find franchise quarterbacks -- and fail oh so often -- it's likely he isn't going anywhere soon.
Make no mistake, the Bears would be thrilled to have Cutler thrive and stay around for several more years. They respect what he brings to the table.
"He's tough as hell," Long said. "He's got a cannon, he can run and he's a competitor."
Bears general manager Ryan Pace built around Cutler when he came to Chicago. The alternatives were risky, and Pace didn't want to rebuild with another quarterback, but there's also a faith in what Cutler can do. Fox expressed his great confidence in Cutler again Wednesday.
Confidence in Cutler is a recurring theme. The Bears believe he can lead them to the playoffs.
After all, Cutler is the glue that holds this team together.
"We got a lot of work to do," Cutler said. "But, obviously, Day 1 of training camp, we feel pretty positive."
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 and like his Facebook page.
