Editor’s note: This column is written as part of a point-counterpoint. The other column, in favor of Jay Cutler, can be read here. 

I have always believed in Jay Cutler.

I was excited the moment I heard we acquired him from the Denver Broncos in 2009, and each season I have believed him to be the quarterback who can lead the Chicago Bears to the radiant spotlight of postseason success.

Yes, the Bears have struggled, but I never believed it was Cutler’s fault. It was the bad receivers, who were dropping passes and running routes wrong. It was the outdated, ineffective Mike Martz offense that led to numerous sacks. And it was the O-line — my god, was it the O-line.

But since Cutler limped into the locker room during Sunday’s game against Washington, marking his fourth consecutive season with an injury, I’ve been having trouble keeping the faith.

That’s not to say the injury is Cutler’s fault because it isn’t. To truly believe in a football program, though, there has to be a strong constant. And although Bears fans will tell you Cutler is the best quarterback Chicago has seen in years, the most consistent thing about him is his ability to get injured.

In the 12 games Cutler has either missed or left early with an injury, the Bears are 2-10 — and yes, I’m counting the NFC Championship loss to the Packers. It’s not like it’s a recurring injury, either. Over four years, it’s varied from a head injury to a broken thumb to concussion. The latest is a groin injury that is expected to keep him out for the next four weeks.

For some reason, Cutler is brittle, and Bears fans are at a point where they can expect to lose their starting quarterback at least one game every season. The program is still building, adding new pieces, such as Brandon Marshall and Marc Trestman to help transform its team from a townhouse to a fortress. Renovation and expansion aren’t easy when the same pesky support column is in constant need of repair, though.

Chicago is as the old saying goes: one step forward, two steps back. Bears fans rejoice in the offseason about some new addition or productivity, and they find hope for the upcoming season. Things connect at first, and then down goes Cutler. Now instead of moving forward, the focus is split between the health of our starter and training the backup. As Bears fans, wouldn’t it be nice to only have to worry about working a new, developing passer into the system instead of facing the dismal chaos following yet another Cutler injury? 

Don’t misinterpret this as a pitch for Josh McCown as starter. He had a nice game filling in for Cutler against the Redskins, but I don’t think he’s the answer, either.  I’m also fully aware that 45 points allowed on defense is entirely unacceptable. But poor defense is rarity to this squad, and the talent is there to correct it before it gets out of hand.

Cutler is a different story, though. He is a pattern, he is a problem, and he is making it too hard for too many to believe in brighter days to come. Fans can’t keep clinging to the ’85 season for hope. It’s time for change, and it starts with believing the Bears can win without Cutler. 

The days of “Cutler Down” need to end. Let’s get back to Bear Down.

J.J. is a sophomore in Media. He can be reached [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @Wilsonable07.