Jay Cutler Quits on Bears, But Rodgers, Packers Take On New Brand Name

It was supposed to be the meanest, bloodiest postseason contest in history, a renewed rivalry for a pair of bitter teams, hungrier than ever before to knock heads into the turf and produce raw blood for one of the greatest NFC Championship Games of all time.

It was supposed to be an epic classic, a chance for the world to witness the rebirth of an intense rivalry, a chance for the world to traditionally catch an emotional feel of old-school, smash mouth football, but instead it was the rebirth of Titletown.

It was a time when the Green Bay Packers, a regal brand name in the NFL, captured Super Bowl triumph and proudly celebrated another historic feat. It's almost simple, particularly if the Packers are crowned champs in a few weeks, to refer to the Packers as America's team, adored customarily for its symbolic popularity and prestige, becoming not only noticeable for its resurgence but also for climbing onto the greatest stage of the grandest national holiday in sports.

The classy, friendly residences of Green Bay realized the Packers were inevitably the hottest franchise, when non-believers in any other town, any other state were peeved by the Packers hurried emergence. The lustful folks of Green Bay, wearing cheesehead hats to keep a silly but lovable tradition intact, are overwhelmed, really, almost ready to launch a party in an emotional, spirited town. And like that, the Packers are a unified and monstrous team in a season Green Bay adjusted the woeful struggles.

If the Packers hope to win the Super Bowl, in a sense, they can win the Lombardi Trophy by the end of the season when it seems Green Bay is invulnerable of a lost anytime soon as favorites to win the Super Bowl with the most efficient passer Aaron Rodgers, the premier quarterback of the league.

There is much to like about Rodgers, whether it's his humbleness to seize the national spotlight without acknowledging it, but instead, focusing on his team, whether it's his capabilities to play in the footsteps of a monumental legend and lead the Packers to glorious moments or whether it's his record-setting 98.4 career passer rating.


Whatever it is, he's an all-encompassing iconic figure, adored for the Packers revival and idolized for exceeding expectations in the leadership role with one of the most beloved franchise traditionally and nationally. If the Packers are the most popular team, lifting closely to greatness without a long-time legend in their third post-Favre season, then it won't be such a bad idea to acknowledge the much-improved Rodgers, who flourished in one season and has been portrayed as the top quarterback in the league.

The turning point, in all likelihood, was perceptible when he led the Packers to a pair of road wins, although Green Bay was taken into account as underdogs in each contest and still fooled the world. It had all come down to what was sudden death, and by virtue, a signature game that Rodgers, withstanding the toughest position by his maturity and talent, confirmed he truly is the best quarterback in the NFL.

As it turns out, optimism and vehemence plays a role in the Packers cultural differences, more alarming than ever was Rodgers manipulating the personality of the game, and more appealing was his delivery to each of his star receivers.

"It was a great start for us but you've got to give credit to our defense. Our defense has been playing lights out the last few weeks," Rodgers said. "The offense sometimes gets a little too much credit. They carried us today and we're going to the Super Bowl. It feels incredible."

A lot of people underestimated the Packers, a lot of people overlooked that Rodgers can make a touchdown-saving tackle. As the latest Packers-Bears rivalry ended wonderfully for Green Bay, against its archenemies in a decisive clash with implications, Rodgers tossed downfield passes and ran for a touchdown.

It wasn't too long ago, dressed casually on the streets of Green Bay, when he walked into Cheese Cake Heaven, a famous bakery near Lambeau Field with Packers' players. In there, he was greeted with warmhearted good luck wishes, and certainly, it benefited Green Bay Sunday afternoon.

As of now, with the only non-profit, community owned franchise in American professional sports, he progressively enhanced his level of play and can eventually win his first Super Bowl title, just one win away from immortality and glory. All of this came after the hallowed era of Vince Lombardi or even after the dramatic era of the wishy-washy diva Brett Favre. In contrast, Rodgers, 27, was never a worldwide leader in nuisance, but a worldwide leader among quarterbacks.

The Packers success is clearly from the emergence of the cannon-armed, pocket passer Rodgers and the relentless, hard-driven defense led by the ferocious Clay Matthews, a man whose family inherits football after the game has been passed on from generations. There was no bloody war, as expected, but there were the Packers playing their hardest to reach a triumphant level in the league, thrilled to be booking hotel reservations and flying to Cowboy Stadium in Dallas.

"It's a dream come true. It's an incredible feeling. I'm at a loss for words," said Rodgers. "You've got to give credit to our defense. I didn't play my best game. They stopped us. We just had enough points on offense and B.J. [Raji] had a big touchdown catch."

This definitely wasn't the most thrilling afternoon, and it never came close to an epic battle we, as football devotees, expected it to turn out. It wasn't pretty for the Bears, in fact, it was worse than we anticipated, particularly when it was the Packers versus the Bears in one of the most alarming clashes for the ages which was never alarming. Not one minute. Not even a second. And because it turned into a nightmare for the Bears, Jay Cutler was vulnerable for attack verbally following the game.

"First and foremost, we've got to stop the run and get after [Jay] Cutler," Clay Matthews said. "I think we did that to fruition. He couldn't finish the game. We really got after him and I think that's why we won today."


So now fairly enough, he's portrayed as a quitter for leaving in the second half with an injured knee, and he never returned but stood on the sideline in his coat. For much of the game, he mainly stood away from his teammates with a guilty facial expression on his face as if he was really sad for letting down his teammates and the coaching staff.

Where he stood, Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher walked over and briefly chatted with Cutler. It wasn't as scary as Cutler, who is expected to undergo an MRI on the damaged knee Monday, advertised it, and he clearly blew his reputation by surrendering in a crucial game.

"I don't know exactly when it happened," Lovie Smith said. "He couldn't go and that was that. Let's go on to some other questions.

Seems he is merely America's worst enemy right now when a few Chicago players were defensive of Cutler after he was criticized heavily on Twitter. He is clearly the one quarterback not to be trusted, but his good friend, Rodgers, is a trustworthy figure and never has been polarized by the media or fans.

In fairness, he quit on his team at the worst possible time and let down thousands at Soldier Field Sunday afternoon, willing to quiver on a frigid afternoon as a way to support their Bears. The problem is, Cutler was soft and careless when much was at stake, which is why players and fans slammed him via Twitter, angrily fumed over his ill-attempt to try and return.

"Nothing like jealous people at home watching," Urlacher said. "I love jealous people when they are watching our game on TV while their season is over."

By the third quarter, he was replaced by Todd Collins but struggled in his two drives and finished 0-4, two passes almost intercepted. If there was one quarterback of the Bears, worthy of saving Chicago from itself, it was clearly Caleb Hanie, a second-year player with 14 career attempts but impressively almost led a magical comeback after he had replaced Collins. There were lots of moments, such as Sunday in his greatest adventure ever, when Rodgers continued to polish on his dignified postseason and completed 4-of-4 passes for 76 yards and scored on a 1-yard touchdown.

Wisely, he wasn't soft or intimidated by the Bears and took a knockout shot directly to the face on a dirty hit by Bears forceful defensive end Julius Peppers. He never quit but persisted in firing throws against one of the league's resilient defenses and he amazingly stayed calm, although he was picked twice and lofted an ill-advised throw in Chicago's territory that dropped into the arms of Urlacher.

So looks as if he was red hot with a pair of turnovers that were unnoticed, once the Packers clinched the NFC championship game in a decisive 21-14 win in one of the oldest rivalries and earned its first trip to the Super Bowl in 13 years. As the clock trickled, if you've noticed, the sellout crowd at Soldier Field were stunned in disbelief and witnessed Hanie foolishly deliver an awful pass that landed in the hands of Packers' nose tackle B.J. Raji to clinch the nicest win in years.

With one of the sharpest creative minds in football, Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers opted to exploit a zone blitz, and it fittingly ended in their favor on an 18-yard return for a touchdown by the 325-pound nose tackle that gave the Packers a 21-7 lead over the Bears.

"I think when you play a team three times, a familiar opponent, you have to be able to mix it up a little bit in order to present new problems, Matthews said. "I think we were able to do that for the most part."

All the credit goes to Capers for calling the zone blitz at perfect timing, on a day when much was on the line, when the Packers were innovative and when the Packers were hungrier and much better than their archrivals. And because of it, Cutler left the game 6-of-4 for 80 yards and had a horrible passer rating of 31.8 with one interception, a trait pretty much nerve-racking for Bears fans. Only difference this time is that he bailed on his teammates and coaches, and even more so, he bailed on the fans.

"Hey, I think the urban meyer rule is effect right now...When the going gets tough........QUIT." Maurice Jones-Drew tweeted during the game. "All I'm saying is that he can finish the game on a hurt knee...I played the whole season on one."

Unlike Rodgers, he quit.

Unlike Cutler, Rodgers stayed red hot even though he never had a great game, but a convincing win as one of the top quarterbacks.

Take it from this reaction: "FOX HAVEN'T SHOWED ANY TRAINERS LOOKING AT CUTLER, UMMM," tweeted Derrick Brooks, a former NFL player.

Let us not take anything away from the Packers. They were the better team and wanted it more. From here, the Packers can fly to Dallas for a party and the trophy.

Green Bay Packers-Chicago Bears Rivalry Renewed, Only Bloodier, Meaner

If there's a villain in Chicago, hailed as one of the passionate sports towns in America where the masses gather in the local bar or even crowds Lou Malnati's Pizzeria joint alarmed by the Chicago Bears turnaround, it's the pretentious Jay Cutler. With the entire world watching, as much as Cutler dislikes the spotlight, he is the most annoying athlete in Chicago.

And now, as of lately, he is a risk factor, fully capable of turnovers late in the game with his brash throws that normally results in a disastrous pick. Come now, as if he's the hottest quarterback in the NFL, Aaron Rodgers is well-deserving of plaudits more than Cutler, an emotional griper and softy who takes matters personal and thinks the sport revolves around him all the time. So now, after his eye-opening season, fascinating like never before by his maturity and humbleness in command of the leadership role, Rodgers is on fire and has played with more awareness and consistency.

The other night in Green Bay, where the town is obligated to be grateful for the Packers, obsessive fans were traditionally loyal to its symbolic pro franchise. It's too bad the Cheesehead maniacs won't come together this weekend to launch a tailgate party outside of the historical venue Lambeau Field, since the Packers travel to the Windy City for the much-anticipated NFC Championship.

A side of me cannot stand Cutler, a quarterback bust in Chicago when the fans honestly felt as if he was the cure for the lackluster Bears in a community which has already witnessed long-lasting droughts from the futility and hopelessness that had the entire town depressed deeply by the unending downfalls. Turns out he's not really a cure after all, but instead a franchise bust.


Maybe it's his unnecessary arrogance that bothers me, the I am-better-than-you attitude. Maybe it's because he disdains the media and rebuffs interest in news conferences, although he is willing to provide brief messages. Or maybe it's his personality on the field that bothers me, too. But whatever it is, he's nothing compared to Rodgers, who has widened the smile on faces of the fans in Green Bay, where the city is now called Mr. Rodger's Neighborhood. Years from now, he might even have a street nearby named after him.

What we're observing is Rodgers sprout beyond greatness for the Packers, while his good friend, Cutler deflowers as a firm quarterback. For those who doubt Rodgers, he is arising into a legend before our very eyes, braced as a gifted iconic figure with the intangibles of being the top quarterback in the league. He's just that damn good. Even now, on the verge of the Packers third post-Favre season, Rodgers is the face of the franchise and has improved mightily.

There's no reason for Green Bay homers to miss Brett Favre, dismissed after he kept the Packers hostage with his flip-flopping retirement, toying with general manager Ted Thompson's mind during the draining saga that publicly become worse in the summer months as days progressed. The Packers knew exactly what the intentions were when they shut the doors on Favre and promised the starting job to Rodgers.

With all due respect, for a sizzling passer engineering the Packers amongst one of the longstanding rivalries in sports, he's ready to prosper as a premier quarterback in the league. Let's brace ourselves for Packers versus Bears, an intense matchup from the retro days which lived into the modern era. It's not only Packers versus Bears, but it's also a theatrical quarterback duel with two quarterbacks who are actually good friends. Good friends? Well, for now.

Once, the Packers and Bears storms onto Soldier Filed for a Sunday afternoon matinee in 19 degree weather, with a wind-chill temperature at approximately 10, winds blowing at 10 mph, the matchup itself will turn violent. As always, another bloody war is quickly upon us and it should be appealing to see which team survives by the end. In all, this is Rodgers versus Cutler in one of the watchful duels in ages. This is Capers versus Martz in one of the most eventful offensive and defensive draws in decades. And lastly, this is Matthews versus Urlacher.

The other integral piece for the Packers is defensive coordinator Dom Capers in a game that he'll be battling against the Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz. With the exception of Martz's play calling and masterful brain for grooming his players, Cutler vastly improved even though he still mistakenly missed his intended receiver or either delivers a poor pass that results into an interception.

And standing in his way is Capers, a fundamental voice of a relentless defense that has been dynamic to Rodgers this season. He was harassed by the Bears bull-rushes, abused literally by Brian Urlacher as all of his target receivers Greg Jennings and Donald Driver were shut down. Surely, he spent time in a hot spa after the Bears defenders sent him to the turf, despite that Rodgers can scramble and buy time in the pocket. Every single defender know he's flexible and versatile with running the ball to gain yardage, and usually, scores whenever he likes as well, racing to the end zone unlike many quarterbacks in the NFL.


Many of them are pocket-passers, not very mobile at avoiding the pressure or smashmouth hits. As we often point out, Rodgers is quick with fabulous feet and a powerful throwing arm, but the Packers' division rivals, which would be the Bears, of course, stifled Green Bay's drives in previous games. Against the Bears in 21 possessions, Rodgers led the Packers to three touchdowns and two field goals, but went scoreless in the other 16 possessions and tossed two picks.

When they play on Sunday, Rodgers could enter the game with an urgent mindset, a moment he'll approach probably the biggest game of his career with a must-win attitude, just as much as Clay Matthews, Green Bay tremendous linebacker, from an inherited football family with a knack that comes from the Matthews' family genes, will play with much strength to interrupt Cutler and the Bears. And so it seems, even better than expected, particularly when the Bears lifted its self-confidence with a win over the improbable Seattle Seahawks, Chicago has the advantage in the hard-driven, defensive front at the line of scrimmage.

More so, the Bears are led by defensive studs Julius Peppers and Israel Idonije. Their presence and strong impact can be the x-factor come Sunday, the one day when everybody must perform at their highest level in order to advance to the Super Bowl. By now, within his five-year career, forgotten and hated by many, he's not a lovable player in the league. He's not popular, but more than anything, is unpopular every since his abrupt departure in Denver.

His arrogance and choosy personality, during a relationship which was in shambles, broke a bond with then-Broncos coach Josh McDaniels. Next thing, the Broncos were forced to trade him to the Bears once the relationship in Denver was irreparable. So he's not as popular as his good friend, Rodgers. This year, he has turned into a worthy legend and has been appreciated with a myriad of popularity as he continuously develops into an authentic star, leading the Packers to a pair of postseason victories on the road in upsets over the Eagles and Falcons.

As for Cutler, he has played with Type I diabetes thought his disappointing career, after he was diagnosed with the illness in 2008. Where he is different from Rodgers is his petulance and frustration on the field. In contrast, he's nowhere near as efficient as Rodgers, and the only way he can enhance his level of dominance, is with a fiery and calm attitude.

It's also imperative that he eliminates making poor decisions on the field, and think wiser as a team leader. At the age 27, a product from Vanderbilt is not even close to matching the talent of Jim McMahon, the star quarterback who led Mike Ditka and the '85 Bears, which reflects on the finest championship and the last time Chicago party with the Bears.

This win is for the right for the Super Bowl. And what better way with much at stake to play against an archenemy. The Bears hate the Packers, just as much as the Packers hate the Bears. It would figure, given his enthusiasm for sports, that President Obama was obviously picking the Bears to win over the Packers. And since we now know he predicted Chicago, his team growing up, we know he'll be glancing at the game in the White House. Hopefully, this doesn't jinx the Bears.

Either way, it's going to be fun, exciting, intense and classic. It's Packers-Bears. It's humbleness versus arrogance. It's Rodgers versus Cutler.

Jay Cutler Impeccable, But Only Because of Bears Relentless Defense

So this is what Chicago has become, an enthusiastic sports town of believers, very optimistic the Chicago Bears can reach a pinnacle.

All week, after the beloved Bears escaped hibernation, the fans in the sizable community have raved about the Bears, one of the likable pro franchises in a town afflicted by futility and championship misfortunes. If Chicago wins the NFC Championship Game, which takes place next weekend against the divisional nemesis Green Bay Packers, the Bears earn a trip to the Super Bowl.

"We're both familiar with each other, so nothing's going to be new," Jay Cutler said. "We have our hands full."

A win over the Seattle Seahawks, the flukiest contenders in the playoffs, wasn't enough to convince people that the Bears are the toughest, competent competitors of the Midwest. For the Bears, a relentlessly defensive structured franchise ready to encounter an epic showpiece in NFL history, this would be an incredible rebirth. So pathetically, for a passionate community that embraces sports and crowds Soldier Field on frigid afternoons, rain or shine, to observe their Bears play, the fans really believe they can ride all the way to the Super Bowl.

But frankly, the Bears had the easiest draw of the divisional round with the 7-9 Seahawks for a respectable date in the bone-chilling confines of the Windy City. A sellout crowd, finally optimistic that a remarkable joyride is under way, believes he's a franchise quarterback after reaching another level in NFL playoffs for the first time in his disillusioned career, a career that has been a nightmare in hell. No matter how fascinating he was on the field for a critical game, when times called for desperation measures, he's not always consistent.

It would be wise, not to mention that he's disliked by many or that he's arrogant, to tell the world that Jay Cutler is a pompous, spoiled individual. He doesn't care to talk with the media much, nor does he like the spotlight. For those of you who have no idea, he dates reality television star Kristin Cavallari. But it shouldn't really matter, right? All that really matters is, not only his attitude as far as his personality, but how he plays each week.

It seems absurd to adulate a shaky Cutler as a primary star in Chicago when there have been numerous occasions that he struggled and had anger outburst on the sideline if he underperformed in the quarterback role. As aloof in public, very private in sharing personal beliefs or even his life outside of football, he does somehow find a way to save the town from further mortification and disadvantages. With strong beliefs and proud faces, the Bears faithful offers moral support, but are they really good?

With the exception of his mobility in the pocket to fundamentally outrun an ineffective defense, Cutler ran for two touchdowns. That alone was, oddly enough, a beautiful highlight if you were rooting for the Bears, confirming logically to the world that the improbable Seahawks were a mirage and barely qualified for the playoffs because of their weak division. This was a breakout game for Cutler, a quarterback who is nearly a franchise bust in the Windy City, disappointingly stumbling in the hardest role on the field.

But now, as he gradually improves and matures, no longer taking issues personally but as a business matter, he was an overmatch for Seattle. Although it seemed as if the Seahawks weren't supposed to be in the playoffs, especially after the Bears dismantled Seattle 35-24 on Sunday, they were supposed to be here with a pitiful record. It's always fun to watch the underdog attempt the unbelievable or the improbability in sports, a storybook display that fuels the heart and soul of fans.

From the outset, though, the Seahawks were no match for the Bears, pummeling their opponent while the snowflakes dropped from the overcast skies in Chicago. At home, as expected, the Bears are accustomed to playing through the elements, and the weather conditions were anything but friendly in the first-half. For one thing, the Bears were in command and scored 21 first-half points that pretty much doomed the momentum of the highly confident Seahawks.

But the truth is, with coach Lovie Smith attuned to running the Cover 2 style defense, the Bears consist of a hellacious and brawny defense, a violent style of punishing, brutal hits to shut down their opponents. The fact is, the defense once again was monstrous and violently interrupted the capacity of a talented offense that compiled 41 points against New Orleans last week.

In his first taste of postseason action, flawless essentially to remove doubtful looks from the faces of people who don't believe, Cutler is efficient for rising as a top quarterback in the league; he was splendid in the pocket and had a six-yard touchdown run to give the Bears a comfortable 21-0 lead. It might be fitting to realize that the Bears defensive force stayed intact, with the presence of first-year defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli, who constantly encourages his defensive players to watch film and make useful adjustments to sharpen the persistence and firmness in the platoon of a compelling defense.

But it's an unavoidable question whether or not the Bears can win it all. Turns out, with the pedigree of the Packers, it will be tough to beat the hottest team thus far in the playoffs. This time, facing maybe the best quarterback in these playoffs, the Bears will be tested mentally and physically. It's hard to imagine that Chicago will beat the Packers after barely clinching a playoff berth with two games left, claiming its first NFC North championship since 2006, the last time they appeared in the Super Bowl in which the Bears lost to the Colts.

But then, on three of its first four possessions, Chicago expanded the lead with touchdowns, in which middle linebacker Brian Urlacher bullied Matt Hasselbeck at the line of scrimmage. As always, he leads a defense that has potential to clinch the NFC and play for the Super Bowl title, along with his counterparts Julius Peppers and Lance Briggs.

If the Bears defense continues to polish as formidable as the 2006 defensive unit, it's because of the boisterous pass rush, partly for the presence of Peppers that presumably gives Chicago a slight chance to hoist the proudest prize in football.

While Cutler is flawless lately in the national scene, particularly bailed out by the superlative defense, he can focus on limiting harmful mistakes. And with that, he fired a perfect throw downfield to tight end Greg Olsen for a 58-yard touchdown that gave the Bears a 7-0 lead. On the field long after the first drive, several plays later as the Bears strategy was to create an onslaught in the middle of the field, Cutler found Johnny Knox for an 18-yard pass. So next week, it will be Cutler vs. Rodgers in an epic quarterback duel and could turn out to be a breathless classic.

"If Green Bay comes out and plays like they played [Saturday] night against Atlanta it's going to be a tough day for us," said Chicago cornerback Charles Tillman, who made life miserable for Seahawks receiver Mike Williams.

Still, from the last matchup, Cutler can recall when he was a victim of turnovers and abused against the Packers fierce pass rush. If he plays poorly, the Bears can forget it.

"It doesn't get any bigger than this," said Cutler.

No, it doesn't.

Hungry Chicago Bears No Longer Hibernate, but Legitimize Conviction

If the facet of life presents full of surprises, it could be the elusive, unforeseen fairy tales happening before our very eyes in the NFL.

In sports, when you witness a sense of unpredictability or surrealism, it’s normally a funny trend that happens every season.

It’s hard to believe the Chiefs are 3-0. It’s hard to fathom the Niners are 0-3, just as it’s hard to realize the Bears are 3-0. It’s unbelievable. It’s surreal.

In reality, though, it has happened, and what we are witnessing is authentic in a season of fairy tales and a season when we are clueless of what to believe.


Now the Chicago Bears, largely considered the most appealing and creative team in football, are currently an unbeaten franchise in a town that has been mired in misfortune, as every major franchise has been victimized of hapless letdowns. The trends of hopelessness badly blemished an avid sports town, but as of recently, the Bears are a cure of aspiration, sending a statement to the NFC North.

As the game progressed at a sold-out Soldier Field in a Monday night showdown against bitter foes the Green Bay Packers, the wildest crowd roared on a bone-chilling night in the Windy City. All in all, the Bears are ferocious in the National Football League, no longer hibernating in the darkness with regular-season fiascoes that unhinged the prominence of the Bears’ prior history.

But at long last, the hard-driven Bears are propelling in prime contention and Jay Cutler is getting his shot at redemption, maturing into a much-efficient quarterback under Mike Martz’s creativity and originality. It quickly developed that the Bears' style on offense is the difference in a much-improved onslaught, escaping the agonizing breakdowns and defining improbability of becoming NFL elite.

It’s evident as Chicago wins its third straight game to begin the regular season that they are legitimizing resiliency at a moment when the NFL is suddenly a league with surprises and mystique. Three weeks into the season, and already the Bears are being revered, while in conversations to win the division. Wait, win the division?

Yes, you heard it right.

Even if the season has just begun, the Bears are unbeaten, amazingly after surviving a season opener against the Detroit Lions, a contest blown by the poor officiating on Calvin Johnson's eye-popping one-handed touchdown catch as time expired. But either way, the Bears will take it.

Shortly after the win over the Dallas Cowboys, general manager Jerry Angelo was impressed with the resurrection as the Bears preserved an enormous one for the victors.

It figured that he’s really impressed and convinced when the Bears survived a 20-17 win, which is highly a conception given that Chicago seems invincible, fierce, and unbeaten. But the reprieve, as the Bears are accomplishing near-perfection, coincides with the idea that this team is built and potent enough to win massive games in critical moments.

If the Bears aren’t thrilling in their dazzling performances, then reconsider it because of the lightning speed of All-Pro returner Devin Hester.

It’s very seldom we witness a brutal kick returner return one for a touchdown, and when an electrifying play is seen, it makes headlines. Every now and then, Hester returns the ball to the end zone untouched with his blistering, dangerous speed, an unparalleled component for the Bears' remarkable streak early in the season.

With all the miracles in sports, Hester scored with a 62-yard return for a touchdown when the Packers mistakenly punted in his direction and gave him a shot to bring out his agility and quickness, and he darted by opposing defenders for his first score on special teams since the last game of the 2007 season.

Are the Bears really good?

However, they did manage to take advantage of the sloppy miscues committed by the Packers. It’s a bad recipe. Right now, at least, the Bears are proving to be virtually dominant and sensational, whether or not Green Bay had clumsy mistakes. That is precisely what gave the Bears good field position: a pass interference call against the Packers’ Morgan Burnett.


Most importantly, the Bears caught a break once the refs blew the whistles and overruled Jay Cutler’s interception to set up a 19-yard field goal attempt Robbie Gould booted for the game-winner.

Early in the third quarter, the Bears trailed 10-7, and it looked as if Lovie Smith would be sitting in the hot seat and in trouble of losing his coaching job. But starting off the season with a strong case of goodness might have just saved his coaching tenure. Only a few years ago, disgracefully, he was criticized and has been the scapegoat for the travesty and misery that pathetically circled the Bears.


At least at this point, Cutler is rebounding from his pitiful decisions last season when he led the league with the most interceptions and embarrassed himself. Not as advertised, he wasn’t living up to expectations and hadn’t played like a franchise quarterback. He was projected as the savior in Chicago’s deficiencies at the most important position but instead had been ridiculed for constantly tossing into double coverage and lofting ill-advised throws.

On a night the Bears wore throwback 1940s jerseys and paid tribute in a moment of silence before the game in honor of former Bear George Blanda, who died Monday, though he was shaky in the game, Cutler had discipline and awareness to lead the Bears. Besides flaws in his throwing motion and the tendency to overthrow his receivers, he threw for 221 yards and answered on an interception.

In his favor, it was reversed by a helmet-to-helmet hit charged to Packers linebacker Frank Zombo. With a team record of 18 penalties by the Packers, the Bears were the smarter opponents and took advantage. Good teams take advantage of mistakes. Good teams win on turnovers. Less than three minutes left in the game, veteran linebacker Brian Urlacher stripped James Jones and forced a fumble, and the Bears’ Tim Jennings recovered the ball.


By halftime they were still alive and they prevailed, with the Bears' monstrous defense dictating the momentum on their sizable effort. Flash back to the preseason, and you’d see this isn’t the same team we are seeing now. Flash back to the preseason, and you’d see a dissimilar team, a team with no identity.

Entering the game, Cutler had a 5-10 record in night games. The history of his struggles was obvious in the first half, with interceptions, overthrows, and incomplete passes.

But even better, the Bears won.

Whether or not they won it on the Packers' sloppy plays, still they are a dominant team and built with elite toughness.

Cutler Redeems Nightmarish Blunders: Bears Aren't Done Just Yet

The images defined much about the game of football in a Sunday matinee. You can define it as momentum, or even a game of faltering on some occasions. Either way, the Chicago Bears might not be on the verge of hibernation. Instead they might have a chance of prolonging an auspicious season, with other teams faltering late in games.

Somehow, the Bears managed, escaping from a tense afternoon at Solider Field. And somehow they managed to survive in an uptight finish against the defending champs. Yes, the Bears outlasted the Pittsburgh Steelers, notching a desperation 17-14 comeback victory. That’s a sigh of relief for them, having entered the season with high expectations after acquiring Jay Cutler, the proclaimed franchise quarterback.

It could’ve turned into an unpleasant afternoon, as disappointed fans would’ve left with doubt in their minds. Of course, fans were worried and felt uncomfortable watching them in the final quarter. They could have easily fallen to 0-2, a poor start that would have dictated the rest of their season.

But a dramatic comeback against the Steelers is enough to restore confidence for a franchise that was forlorn and seemed incapable a week ago. It seemed the Bears were done as Cutler had the worst game of his career. He threw four interceptions, and was confused, harassed, and belittled in a bitter loss at Green Bay.

Maybe a win over a potent team was needed, saving a potential season from wasting and blowing off with the gusty winds. In fact, a win this decisive favored Cutler and saved probability of him emerging into the next franchise quarterback in Chicago.

For weeks now, fans and media have dwelled on the fact that he’ll be the next to quarterback the Bears. For months now, fans have welcomed a disgruntled Cutler, defending and praising the Pro-Bowl quarterback.

His egotistic mindset cut an irreparable relationship short in Denver, when disputes with first year head coach Josh McDaniels failed and unfolded a grotesque separation all because of ego conflict.

So now, he has migrated to Chicago, where he’s quickly emerging as an icon. His jersey is a top-seller, and he’s likable, as most citizens are elated finally to have a precise quarterback. A long-suffering town feels Cutler’s presence is an unequivocal indication of multiple titles.

For a long time, the town has painfully suffered and long-awaited to embrace someone of Jim McMahon’s caliber. The mid 1980s was the last time lively fans have seen a championship-type quarterback who has shown his ability legitimately.

So the calm and thrilled fans waited to see him have a breakout game and win his first game in a Bears’ uniform. Fortunately, it came in his home debut, in front of thousands who wore a Cutler jersey. They were the same devotees who refused to surrender, allowing Cutler a chance for redemption in a notable homecoming.

He can finally sigh, capping his first victory and redeeming himself after a devastating collapse in the season opener, which led to more doubtful queries him being a cure for the long years of quarterback debacles.

Failures and different faces at the same position over the years have hindered success over the years, which is why now the average native in Chicago is exhilarated, having a reliable and more durable gunslinger.

But Sunday, fans were more pleased with the Bears managing its first win, discarding all the dismal scenes in Green Bay. To highlight this fearful and elusive contest, it came down to field goals.

The powerful foot of Robbie Gould, who’s as good as gold, not only dictated the season, but dictated the game. This saved Cutler getting belittled and doubted. More seriously, it gave the Bears life. So Gould, again, bailed out the team like he used to before Cutler even arrived.

Managing to stay composed, Gould calmly booted a game-winning field goal, outlasting Pittsburgh’s veteran kicker Jeff Reed in a kicker’s duel. Over on the sideline, Reed watched, upset with himself after missing two costly field goal attempts. That’s unusual for Reed, whose 82.8 percent career conversion rate automatically makes him the 10th accurate kicker in the league. Well, not on this particular afternoon.

If he wouldn’t had hooked his kicks too wide, the Steelers would have avoided an upset. They even would have still intimidated most with their natural ability to pull off a stunning win at the end. But on this occasion, the conversations were on how well Cutler performed, bouncing back from a sub-par week. In this game, he led a fourth-quarter rally and never turned over the ball.

He had excellent ball security, and went 9-for-10 in the fourth quarter for 92 yards. It was a solid performance, unlike last week and has giving the city a notion that he can renew quarterback heroics.

Against one of the league’s powerful defenses, Cutler wisely was careful with the ball and avoid defensive end James Harrison. Minus explosive safety Troy Polamalu, who abuses opposing quarterbacks with his speed wasn’t a factor, making times easier. Cutler finished 27-of-38 for 236 yards for two touchdowns and no interceptions.

Just a week ago, Cutler was criticized for his maturity level and arrogance. He was bashed by former coaching greats Jim Mora and Mike Martz for his rudeness at a press conference after the Bears first loss. Even irate Denver is still lambasting him for departing in such an awful way.

He was even criticized by the well-respected and former coach Tony Dungy, who said he wasn’t mature enough to establish as a leader. But willing to give him a chance was Lovie Smith and Jerry Angelo. Instead the Bears were amazed with his talent more than personality, realizing his powerful arm and accurate downfield passes.

Being without their top defensive star Brian Urlacher for the rest of the season after he badly dislocated his wrist, more productivity from the offense is needed. So for the fans, it’s more of the joy to finally have a more potent passer and leader on offense.

There’s hope for the Bears after all.

Jay Cutler Stumbles While Aaron Rodgers Blossoms in Bloody Rivalry

It turned out to be a quarterback matchup, seeing which true leader can quarterback his team to a victory. It turned out Jay Cutler isn’t the savior he was supposed to be when the Chicago Bears snatched him from Denver.

He’s the franchise quarterback locals fell in love with, and started celebrating when he arrived, as if they had finished a season unbeaten. But he’s now the franchise quarterback who failed to outlast arguably an intriguing matchup with Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers.

He pummeled the Bears. He humiliated those creatures.

Clearly, Cutler was doomed in a primetime game, where he was given a chance to prove to the world that he’s a franchise player, and a cure for the Bears’ quarterback weaknesses.

Since Cutler didn’t excel and played the worst game of his career on Sunday night, while throwing a career-high four interceptions, memories of substandard quarterbacks and flashbacks of regular-season doom and frailty haunted the Bears faithful.

If he continues to make mental lapses, history will repeat itself, which spells trouble for Lovie Smith and the Bears. Yes, another season of misery and suffering if Cutler doesn’t flourish into a franchise quarterback in the next few weeks.

Yet, in a hostile environment, his inconsistency reminded us of Rex Grossman or Chad Hutchinson, whose decision-making and passing deficiency was emphatically horrid and brutal and drove him out of the league.

Throughout the game, Cutler forced foolish passes just like Hutchinson used to, while Aaron Rodgers dazzled, allowing Cheeseheads to dismiss all anger and unnecessary buzz on Brett Favre’s annoying comeback.

Rodgers stole the spotlight and dominated in an enticing matchup, earning loyalty and building faith as Green Bay’s top citizen. In a few more seasons, we can utter that Rodgers could practically run for mayor.

Just as Packers enthusiast attached themselves to a wishy-washy Favre, they’ll now pamper the young quarterback who’s developing into a leader, icon and legend. But in Chicago, a potential icon and legend is still growing, though he has earned fan’s support in a town that’s confident misfortunes are removed.

Although the wind blew in a worthy quarterback, Cutler still need much developing to emerge into a steady and reliable savior, or else he’ll be classified as a bust, like underperformers in the past. Coming off a Pro Bowl season in Denver, fans in Chicago anticipated him to duplicate and install a winning mindset.

But considering he’s a hero for fixing quarterback woes, Cutler has more pressure. And considering that Rodgers receives loyalty and outplayed Cutler in a season debut, he’ll corral less pressure.

As advertised, a duel between Rodgers and Cutler turned to the Packers favor. And, also as advertised, Rodgers is the better quarterback for the time being. Fans witnessed a mobile and strong-throwing quarterback complete accurate and downfield passes without committing any blunders.

His readiness showed. His poise showed. His athletic ability showed.

There wasn’t a point in the game when Rodgers was intimidated or nervous. He made urgent plays and continuous throws, proving he’s an essential piece to their future obligations. Loaded with go-to receivers, Rodgers will find life less complicated and tedious. On this giving night, Rogers happened to connect with Jennings on a 50-yard touchdown pass with 1:11 remaining.

That gave a struggling Cutler plenty of time to move the ball down the field, but unfortunately errant throws, ended a bloody rivalry. Cutler walked off with bumps and bruises, in a game that ruined his debut and gave us reason to believe he’s not ready to perform within a tougher division.

Instead of responding to Rodgers's sensational game-winning touchdown, Cutler faltered with 1:06 remaining, when he was given a chance to redeem a poor outing and outlast Rodgers and his new rivals.

But he botched the biggest play yet this season by designing a regrettable throw that went directly into the arms of all-purpose safety Al Harris. As a result, the Packers salvaged a 21-15 victory and smeared Cutler’s night.

After a horrible pass to the middle of no return in the second quarter, the awful delivery was picked off by Packers Tramon Williams and returned 67 yards to the Bears one-yard line. Another terrifying toss that was caught by safety Nick Collins in the second quarter indicated ghastly results. Bad throws summarized the type of performance Cutler had, as smart decision making described the type of performance Rodgers had, a more steady and consistent one.

On this night, Rodgers owned the spotlight, and Cutler was overshadowed.

Jay Cutler Needs To Stop Crying On Past, Focus On Bears

Anytime players have the privilege to express their thoughts on sports talk radio, comments can translate ugly results. Instantly, foolish words come out of their mouths, which shouldn’t be mentioned over the radio. Next it initiates a media frenzy and ruckus among training camp.

Meanwhile, in actuality, Jay Cutler is complacent to talk on the radio, so the entire world can hear him publicly take shots at fans. For the folks in Denver, ignore Cutler’s lingering triviality as he needs to move on and release grudges and irritability of a chaotic divorce.

An irreparable relationship deteriorated in Denver, when Cutler feuded with first-year coach Josh McDaniels. This is what ego constructs, unpleasant clashes between a rookie head coach, waiting to impress and a dynamic quarterback who demands more allotment after having an impressive season. It wasn’t long ago, when a promising marriage abolished rapidly. A few months ago, an ambiguous saga continuously escalated.

Without realizing the NFL is a business, and not a personal business, Cutler was sensitive and took trade talks personal. There wasn’t a moment during the saga that he manned up or attempted to revitalize an unstable relationship that was instantly hopeless. Maybe things would’ve being different, if he had handled exhausted disputes like a man and not childishly.

That unnecessary attitude was tiresome just as he was burned out with the Broncos. He later whined out loud so the public can hear his vexatious trade demands. After all, he was granted his wish. But he still hasn’t grown up, which raises concern of his accountability in leadership guise. Arrogantly, Cutler has a careless mindset that the NFL strictly functions around him.

If he expects to lead the Bears in a new direction, he’ll have to evaluate and naturalize selfish customs. Otherwise, Cutler’s personal issues will forge more confusion in a category that has delayed prosperity. And in the meantime, flaws envelop potential sensibility of him emerging into a top quarterback.

From the outbreak season a year ago, practically he’s one of the favorable players to quarterback a franchise. To inform fans across our country, Cutler has earned his fair share of elite honors, such as a Pro Bowl and a season of statistics that jumped off the stat sheets.

Last season, he astonishingly threw for 4,526 yards and 25 touchdowns, but now exploits are erased whenever there’s negative ongoing blubbering.

None of this is trivial and if anything it is nonsense to call out fans. With Cutler’s sensitive attitude, he is outspoken and isn’t mature enough to avoid joshing comments. There isn’t a moment that he abstain emotions, by foolishly slipping at the mouth. Still, he hasn’t learned the importance of maintaining a positive stance.

When he appeared on ESPN Radio 1000 in Chicago, Cutler was asked about the fans in Chicago. However, it led to more incongruity talk as he ripped Broncos fans. If he had pride and some sense, he would just shut up and get over the languishing closure in Denver.

If he was focus on the upcoming season, he would bond a steady relationship with his new teammates and learn each player’s style. Instead he is too engaged on dwelling about the past and lacks maturity, still upset on how the Broncos opted to move on without him being in their future plans.

He hasn’t gotten over the fact that the league is a business, and that it isn’t always about him. He hasn’t matured into a leader or someone who can mend quarterback struggles. Right now, the players are fit without a crying Cutler upgrading leadership objectives. Most of all, not everyone is content with having a new quarterback in the town.

Before, the Bears were led by a powerful defense, and linebacker Brian Urlacher, who insulted Cutler, using derogatory language to describe the most highly regarded player to migrate to Chicago, recently.

Maybe that is why Tony Dungy, a well-respected man in football and retired coach, was leery of his maturity level on leading a team. Maybe that is why Cutler needs to establish clarity for the upcoming season by remaining silent or respond in a more mellow way without ripping a large population.

Now isn’t a bad time to stick a pacifier in his mouth, forgetting about the past and focus on the playbook, tactics and his new teammates of the Chicago Bears. But more blubbering will just create trouble as the masses are only accustomed to the unnecessary remarks made.

Still, he hasn’t accelerated into a virtuous leader, and has submitted examples of doubt in espousing an ambassador role.

Since arriving, Cutler has delivered hell marry passes that have dropped in for interceptions, rather than astounding passes. In other words, he imposes more problems in Chicago, and he is quickly emerging into an issue, rather than a hero of restoring irony among a team that’s exhausted of quarterback failures.

The last thing the Bears can afford is a setback, hinging back to spiteful exigencies, which will constitute mortals and downcast shambles. Sure, the great people of Chicago have waited for a tangible player to turn an ailment era into a momentous one.

For years, the Bears were humiliated, disregard and suffered misfortune for inconsistency in hurling prolific passes. They were mostly guided by fearsome defensive efforts and field goal miracles.

Experiencing a long decade of misery, the Bears managed advancing to the Super Bowl three years ago, and suffered more heartbreak by losing to Indianapolis in Miami.

For a long time, the Bears have stumbled to stabilize the quarterback position, which is why Cutler is a huge origin to a new era of positive creations. This is a team who hasn’t had a top-notch quarterback since the 1985 Bears dominated the game with brutal attacks and throws lofted by a savvy Jim McMahon, whose remarkable career was limited from multiple injuries.

This is a team that has tried to generate promise with unsuccessful quarterbacks, guided by an inconsistent Rex Grossman, who capitulated in the Super Bowl when coach Lovie Smith had significant confidence in the erratic quarterback.

Being stubborn-minded, which gave Grossman a memorable chance to start the biggest game of his lifetime, ended unmemorable and painfully.

That night, he proved he wasn’t the right fit as a starter, making foolish decisions that forced him into turnovers. After all, the Bears had a few positive aspirations. Kyle Orton was more consistent than Grossman by advancing the ball into the red zone more often and never turned over the ball as much.

But now, it’s funny how Denver fans booed Orton at the Broncos scrimmage game. What was deemed a suitable exchange, turns out Broncos fans are unhappy with Orton, while Cutler continues to whine about the past.

Doing so, he is creating distractions and has forgotten that the season is looming ever so closer. Just when the Bears figured they had solidified their weaknesses, the solution has formed problems.

I’m speaking of Cutler, the one player fans in Chicago lost sleep over as if they had won the Super Bowl. Not yet, at least. But it feels like they won, finally obtaining possession of a legitimate cure for relapses and long suffered agony.

Now it feels the misery has returned, suffering from the unknown factor, which is Cutler. Refusing to overcome a mishandled letdown in Denver, there isn’t any doubt that Cutler intrigues more quarterback disadvantages.

There’s only one way to cure fuss, tell Cutler to avoid confrontations and keep mouth shut.

It’s that simple.